A case of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome showing transient immunosuppression before viral reactivation during treatment for pemphigus foliaceus

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) is one of the most severe drug adverse reactions, with characteristic biphasic symptoms. Reactivation of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is frequently observed, although the cause of DIHS is still unknown. A patient developed DIHS during treatment with diaminodiphenylsulphone for pemphigus foliaceus. The number of lymphocytes in his peripheral blood, and titres of serum total IgG and IgM and anti-desmoglein1 antibody transiently decreased just before reactivation of HHV-6, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus. This observation suggests that transient suppression of both cellular and humoral immunity may trigger viral reactivation, which leads to the development of the second phase of DIHS.

Quiet MRI with novel acoustic noise reduction

Fast scan techniques, which are used to reduce scanning times, have raised scanning noise levels in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, resulting in greater patient discomfort and stress. It is well known that this noise is caused by vibration of the gradient coil due to the Lorentz forces generated by the current in the gradient coil, which is placed in a static magnetic field. We have confirmed that MRI noise can be substantially reduced by sealing the gradient coil in a vacuum chamber to block airborne vibration propagation, by supporting the gradient coil independently to block solid vibration propagation and by decreasing the eddy currents induced in RF coils, the RF shield and the static-field-magnet cryostat. Based on these findings, we have developed a silent MRI system in which scanning noise is markedly reduced under a wide range of scanning conditions.

[Ask-Upmark kidney: a case report]

A case of Ask-Upmark kidney is presented. An 18-year-old male patient referred to this facility presented with symptoms of hypertension, microscopic hematuria and proteinuria. A hormonal study revealed a high plasma renin activity level. Intravenous pyelography and abdominal computed tomography revealed thinning of the cortex with calyceal dilatation. Arteriography revealed a deep cortical groove in the middle portion of the kidney without renal arterial stenosis. Plasma renin activity of the left renal vein was significantly higher than that of the right renal vein. A left simple nephrectomy was performed under the diagnosis of Ask-Upmark kidney. Postoperatively, plasma renin activity returned to the normal range and a decrease in blood pressure was noted. Recent reports have suggested Ask-Upmark kidney to be a consequence of vesicoureteral reflux rather than a true congenital malformation. Our case indicated no evidence of vesicoureteral reflux and suggests that the lesion was congenital rather than acquired.

Accumulation of hypotaurine in tissues and urine of rats fed an excess methionine diet

Hypotaurine increased in some tissues, especially in muscle, and urine of rats fed methionine excess diet. The significant depression of the body weight and food intake of rats caused by excess methionine was remarkably alleviated as previous reports and hypotaurine content in muscle and urine increased further by supplement with glycine to the excess methionine diet.