Detection and significance of subclinical mitral regurgitation by colour Doppler techniques

Prevalence of valvular regurgitation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients

Sixty-seven adolescent scoliosis patients with thoracic curve (Lenke type 1, 3, and 6) and 16 nonthoracic curve patients (Lenke type 5) were evaluated with color Doppler echocardiography to identify and compare the prevalence and frequency of valvular regurgitation. Regurgitation of one or more valves was detected in 36 thoracic curve patients (53.73%) and seven nonthoracic curve patients (43.75%). Regurgitation with tricuspid valve involvement was statistically significant in patients with thoracic curve (P=0.0216). Frequency of tricuspid valve involvement was statistically significant (28.57 vs. 83.33%, P=0.0076) in patients with thoracic curve. Those without cardiac disease had a higher incidence of valvular regurgitation.

Movement disorders in children and adolescents

Tourette syndrome (TS), Sydenham chorea, and drug-induced dyskinesias are prototypical movement disorders affecting children. Underlying involvement of basal ganglia has been apparent for several decades, but new neuroimaging studies are adding detail to this mechanism. Genetic studies of TS and tardive dyskinesia may further reveal the underlying pathophysiology. Most provocative is the new conceptual model of poststreptococcal autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder. Although unproven, substantial support for this model comes from immunologic, family, neuroimaging, and treatment studies.

Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is an immunologically mediated inflammatory disease, that occurs as a delayed sequel to group A streptococcal throat infection, in genetically susceptible individuals. Chronic rheumatic heart disease remains an important public health problem in developing countries. Aetiopathogenesis and guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of acute rheumatic fever are reviewed.