Effect of 2',4'-dichlorobenzamil hydrochloride, a Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange inhibitor, on human spermatozoa

The present study is aimed to investigate the contact spermicidal efficacy of 2',4'-dichlorobenzamil hydrochloride (DBZ), a Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange inhibitor, on ejaculated human spermatozoa. The drug produced a dose- and time-dependent spermicidal action on human spermatozoa. A concentration of 4 mM produced total loss of sperm viability within 1 min of addition to total semen. On the other hand, a similar action on spermatozoa separated from semen was noted at 0.5 mM concentration. The loss of spermatozoal viability was accompanied with an increase in intracellular Ca(2+). Sperm revival testing with glucose suggested a spermicidal rather than a spermiostatic action.

Periorbital vasculitis complicating Kawasaki syndrome in an infant

Periorbital vasculitis is a previously unreported complication of Kawasaki syndrome (KS). We describe an infant with severe KS refractory to initial management with salicylate and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Retreatment with IVIG and high-dose pulsed steroids was required for persistent fever and inflammatory manifestations. Despite aggressive medical therapy, a large left coronary artery aneurysm developed. After apparent complete KS remission, acute periorbital vasculitis developed in the left upper eyelid and orbit, requiring operative intervention for diagnosis and high-dose pulsed steroids for therapy. The significance of this previously unreported ophthalmic complication of KS is reviewed, along with a discussion of the role of steroids in KS manifestations refractory to IVIG.

Vestibular decruitment, hyperactivity, and rebound caloric nystagmus

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the collective sensitivities of decruitment, hyperactivity, and rebound caloric nystagmus (RCN) for lesions of the brain stem/cerebellum against the current gold standard of imaging, the contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent a vestibular evaluation and a contrast-enhanced MRI scan.

SETTING

The study was performed at a tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

The patients included in this study were evaluated for investigation of a variety of reported problems, including vertigo/dysequilibrium, headache, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Their age range was 13 to 79 years.

INTERVENTION

Every patient underwent a vestibular evaluation, which included the Torok monothermal caloric test and an MRI scan.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The results of this caloric test include vestibular decruitment, hyperactivity, and rebound caloric nystagmus. The sensitivity and specificity of these results for MRI confirmed brain stem/cerebellar lesions were determined.

RESULTS

The overall sensitivity of the measures of this caloric test was 90%. The overall specificity was 25%.

CONCLUSIONS

As a screening test for brain stem cerebellar lesions, the Torok monothermal caloric test performs well in terms of its sensitivity. The specificity is low, and this probably because MRI looks at morphology rather than function.