The Groll-Hirschowitz syndrome

Two sisters showed a similar disorder with cachexia, sensory deafness, and upper gastrointestinal abnormalities. The family pedigree suggests autosomal recessive inheritance of the disorder. Demyelinization demonstrated by a peripheral nerve biopsy may explain the basis for the manifestations. Only one family with this unique syndrome has been reported in the literature. The term "The Groll-Hirschowitz Syndrome" has been suggested, named after the two physicians who first described this condition.

Accuracy of endoscopy in the diagnosis of inflamed gastric and duodenal mucosa

Two hundred twenty-three patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy. Correlation of endoscopic and histological findings revealed that a normal gastric and duodenal mucosa could be correctly diagnosed endoscopically in about 80 and 88% of cases, respectively. Duodenitis was diagnosed correctly in 83% of cases; however, the correct endoscopic recognition of gastritis was achieved in only about 50% of the cases. Better results were achieved in "anastomitis," in which the endoscopic diagnosis was correct in 90% of cases. This study supports the view that endoscopy alone should not be relied upon in the diagnosis of gastritis or duodenitis.

The changing epidemiology of diverticular disease in Israel

In a retrospective evaluation of 1244 consecutive barium enemas performed at two hospitals over a five-year period (1979 to 1984), colonic diverticula were found in 177 (14.2 percent). The prevalence among the Ashkenazi Jews was 19.7 percent, among the Sephardi and Oriental Jews, 16 percent, and among the Arabs, 9.5 percent. Comparing these figures with the results of a similar study performed ten years ago, it becomes obvious that the prevalence of diverticular disease in the Ashkenazi group remained the same, while there was a three-fold increase among Sephardi and Oriental Jews, and a seven-fold increase among Arabs. It is postulated that, in less than one generation, diverticular disease will be equally frequent among all ethnic groups in Israel.

In vivo and in vitro testing of gloves for protection against UV-curable acrylate resin systems

In vitro data demonstrated that the permeation of a UV-curable urethane acrylate resin system through glove materials was greatest for latex and neoprene gloves and less for two nitrile gloves. Permeation in vitro for the resin system took longer than 480 min. Individual components of the resin permeated faster when tested separately than when in the formulated system. In vivo 48-h patch test data suggested that neither nitrile glove would be adequate for worker protection, but the in vivo test exaggerated the duration of contact between resin, glove, and skin. Both nitrile gloves provide adequate protection under use conditions, provided the gloves were not re-used within 8 h.

Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia with single class (monoclonal) surface immunoglobulin

Lymphoid tissues from 12 patients were diagnosed as reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, but surface immunoglobulin studies revealed monoclonal (single class) immunoglobulin staining patterns. Infectious, autoimmune, and immunodeficient conditions were diagnosed on the basis of histology and clinical features. Such surface immunoglobulin restriction has been used as an indicator of a neoplastic lymphoid proliferation, but the cases of these patients, in whom the histologic diagnosis was benign, emphasize the importance of a multiparameter approach to diagnosis. Although at the time of this report none of the patients still available to follow-up study have developed known lymphoid neoplasms, the possibility that monoclonal SIg patterns are a harbinger of neoplastic disease makes continuing follow-up of such patients important.

Ulcerative colitis in pregnancy in Israel

Sixty pregnancies in 31 ulcerative colitis patients were studied retrospectively. Twelve patients (20 per cent) improved, 11 (18.3 per cent) deteriorated, while in 37 (61.6 per cent) there was no change during pregnancy. Seven pregnancies (13.7 per cent) ended by spontaneous and two by artificial abortions. There were 50 full-term deliveries and one premature birth. Seven of the patients were treated with sulfasalazine; five were given steroids; and two, azathioprine. All gave birth to normal children. Of unplanned pregnancies 38.4 per cent were associated with activity of the disease versus only 12 per cent of planned gestations. Pregnancy does not seem to aggravate the course of pre-existing ulcerative colitis, nor does the colitis interfere with the outcome of the pregnancy.

Ultraviolet analysis of graded-index lightguide preforms

The UV spectra of graded-index fiber-optic preforms have been studied using a technique in which annular masks of varying diameters are placed over the preforms. The collimated UV beam from a conventional absorption-spectrophotometer excites selected regions in the preform core, and the absorption spectra for the varying mask diameters are measured. With this technique and germania borosilicate and phosphosilicate (GeBSi and GePSi) preforms, a previously unresolved absorption band peaking at 330 nm was found and assigned to amorphous GeO(2). Measurements of the peak absorption coefficient were correlated with x-ray fluorescence measurements of GeO(2) concentrations. Absorption associated with P(2)O(5) overlaps the GeO(2) absorption below ~320 nm. That is, between 305 and 320 nm, GePSi preforms absorb strongly while GeBSi preforms absorb weakly. This difference in absorption behavior combined with weak filtering properties of the UV-cured coating at lambda > 305 nm explains why coated GePSi fibers are more sensitive to UV damage than coated GeBSi fibers.

Spinal cord glioma following irradiation for Hodgkin's disease

A 21-year-old patient, after radiation therapy to the mediastinum for Hodgkin's disease, died six years later of a spinal cord glioma, believed to be caused by irradiation therapy. That the x-ray therapy provoked neoplastic changes seems likely, although it could be coincidental.

Serum lysozyme activity in inflammatory bowel disease

Serum lysozyme activity was determined in the sera of 70 patients with inflammatory bowel disease by the lysoplate method. Serum lysozyme levels were significantly elevated only in patients with Crohn's disease of the small bowel. Patients with either granulomatous or ulcerative colitis had serum lysozyme values not different from normals, irrespective of activity of their disease.

Splenosis simulating an intramural gastric mass

A case of splenosis simulating a fundal intramural gastric mass in a patient with leiomyoblastoma is presented. Splenosis should be included in the list of differential possibilities of intramural or exogastric lesions when previous splenectomy has been performed, either secondary to trauma or surgical laceration of the splenic capsule. The absence of the spleen makes splenosis a diagnostic consideration.

Continuous electrocardiographic monitoring with Holter electrocardiocorder throughout all stages of gastroscopy

Continuous electrocardiographic recording on magnetic tape with a Holter electrocardiocorder was performed during gastroscopy on 55 consecutive patients. ECG recording was begun before premedication and was terminated 1 hr after the withdrawal of the gastroscope. The ECG changes during the different stages of the procedure were separately analyzed: 38.18% of patients had E.C.G. changes--sinus tachycardia (20%), ST-T changes (23.6%), ventricular and atrial premature beats (20.0% and 7.27%, respectively). atrial premature beats with aberrant conduction (3.6%), and coronary sinus rhythm (1.8%). All changes disappeared spontaneously after the procedure. Although relatively safe, gastroscopy requires careful consideration of the risks, especially in severe cardiac patients.