Evaluation of the Interrater Reliability of Sonographic Measurements of Muscle Thickness of 38 Piriformis Muscles in 19 Patients with Piriformis Syndrome

BACKGROUND The piriformis muscle is a flat superficial muscle of the deep gluteal muscles that externally rotates the hip. Ultrasound is widely used to identify the piriformis muscle, especially for guidance of the needle during injections; however, its diagnostic use has recently gained popularity. The operator-dependent nature of ultrasound requires demonstration of reliability between operators. This study aimed to evaluate interrater reliability of sonographic measurements of muscle thickness of 38 piriformis muscles in 19 patients with piriformis syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS An ultrasound transducer was placed transversely on the sacral spinous process and moved caudo-laterally until the piriformis muscle was visualized under the gluteus maximus while patients were lying in prone position. The thickness of piriformis muscle was measured with a 2 to 5-MHz broadband curvilinear transducer in 3 regions (thickest regions of muscle over the ilium, near the greater trochanter, and near the sacrum). The interrater reliability of measurements of 2 examiners who were blinded to each other's measurements was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS In total, 114 samples from 38 piriformis muscles of 19 patients with a diagnosis of piriformis syndrome were evaluated by 2 raters in this study. The median (interquartile range) patient age was 41 (15) years. Intraclass correlation coefficient value for overall thickness measurements of piriformis muscle was 0.836. Intraclass correlation coefficient values for 3 different regions were over the ilium, near the greater trochanter, and near the sacrum were 0.777, 0.883, and 0.811, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound measurement of piriformis muscle thickness has good interrater reliability.

Mini-Review: Human Microbiome and Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathy are the most common inflammatory rheumatic diseases. As the human microbiome is involved in the immune homeostasis, it has the potential to be a key factor in the development of autoimmune diseases and rheumatic diseases. In this article, we review the role of various human microbiota on the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases, focusing on spondylarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Gunshot bullet embolisation in the middle cerebral artery

Bullet embolism (BE) is a rare phenomenon following a gunshot wound. A middle cerebral artery BE was detected in a 36-year-old male patient following a perforating left thoracic gunshot wound without obvious cranial injury. This paper discusses a case of BE in the cranial circulation in conjunction with a review of the relevant literature.

Effects of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi on the seedling growth of three Pistacia species

The experiment was undertaken to test the efficiency of inoculation of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi on the seedling growth of three Pistacia species used as rootstocks. The stratified Pistacia seeds were inoculated with VAM fungi. The highest rate of inoculated roots was 96.7% in P. khinjuck seedlings with G. clarum and G. etunicatum, 83.3% in P. vera seedlings with G. caledonium and 73.3% in P. terebinthus seedlings with G. caledonium. Mycorrhizal inoculations improved seedling height only in P. terebinthus. Certain mycorrhizal inoculations increased the leaf N, but not P and K contents. Seedlings inoculated with G. caledonium had higher reducing sugar contents. It was concluded that pre-inoculated Pistacia seedlings could have a better growth in the harsh field conditions.

The influence of growth regulators on shoot proliferation and rooting of in vitro propagated caper

The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of TDZ and BAP on shoot proliferation and to develop a satisfactory rooting procedure for in vitro propagation of caper (Capparis spinosa L). TDZ was found to be more effective than BAP in shoot production. The highest shoot number per explant (45.7) was achieved on the media that contained 4.54 microM TDZ in the absence of IAA. TDZ at 4.54 microM alone or in combination with 0.57 microM IAA did not inhibit shoot elongation, although they produced the most shoots. Dipping the caper shoots in the solution of IBA at 24.6 microM for 10 minutes before planting on MS media, improved the rooting percentage up to 80.5% under a 16 hr photoperiod.

Microsurgical anatomy of the dorsal cervical rootlets and dorsal root entry zones

BACKGROUND

Detailed anatomical knowledge of the dorsal cervical rootlets and dorsal root entry zones (DREZ) is important for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical myeloradiculopathy and surgical management of pain. There are far fewer micro-anatomical studies of this area than gross anatomical studies. This study presents several anatomical points regarding the dorsal cervical rootlets and dorsal root entry zones.

METHOD

Fifteen adult formalin-fixed cadaveric spines from C1 to T1 were used to observe the posterior structures. They were studied under the surgical microscope following en bloc laminectomy and foraminotomy. The morphological features of the dorsal root entry zones and dorsal rootlets were determined. The distance from the midline to the DREZ, the longitudinal length of the DREZ in the spinal canal, the length of the dorsal rootlets, the number of dorsal rootlets and the intersegmental anastomoses between the dorsal rootlets were measured.

FINDINGS

The distance from the midline to the DREZ ranged from 1.1 to 4.7 mm. Longitudinal length of the dorsal rootlets ranged 4.3-17.7 mm. The shortest length of the dorsal rootlets ranged between 5-28 mm, and longest lengths of the dorsal rootlets ranged 6.8-30.3 mm. The number of dorsal rootlets ranged from 2-13. Between the C2-T1 dorsal rootlets, 142 connections out of 30 intersegments were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

The distance from the midline to the DREZ decreased in the lower cervical spine. The longest longitudinal length of the DREZ was at the C5 level. The length of the dorsal rootlets was increased in the lower cervical spine. The average number of dorsal rootlets tended to increase in the lower cervical spine. Anastomoses were most often found between C6-7 and C5-6 dorsal rootlets. Knowledge of the anatomical features of dorsal cervical rootlets and dorsal root entry zones is essential for a surgeon to avoid injuring the neural structures. This knowledge is a must not only to avoid complications but also for the success, safety and effectiveness of microsurgical operations of the pathological conditions like posterior myeloradiculopathy and pain treatment such as DREZ operations.

Septic arthritis caused by nocardia asteroides in a renal transplant recipient

Although articular complications are common following renal transplantation, septic arthritis is not frequent. Previous bacterial infection in an another site is a consistent finding and the knee is the most often affected joint. We present a 30-year-old female renal transplant recipient with recurrent pulmonary infiltrates preceding septic arthritis of her left knee. Cultures of the aspirated synovial fluid yielded a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium later identified as Nocardia asteroides. The patient was treated with oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole without any side effect. Nocardia is a rare but serious cause of infection in renal transplant recipients but there is no well-known predisposing factor. Recently mycophenolate mofetil has been implicated as a factor associated with Nocardia infections. Prolonged courses of treatment with sulphonamides are recommended.

Prediction of renal allograft function with early Doppler ultrasonography

INTRODUCTION

Doppler ultrasonography (USG) is an useful, noninvasive diagnostic tool for the management and follow-up of the transplanted kidney. However, it is believed that the value of Doppler USG is limited to discrimination of acute rejection episodes. We tested whether early Doppler USG findings were predictive of 1-month and 1-year allograft functions in noncomplicated renal transplant recipients (RTRs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Resistive index (RI) and pulsatile index (PI) values obtained by doppler USG within the first week of transplantation were correlated with allograft function at 1 month and 1 year in 45 (10 women, 35 men, mean age: 27 years) noncomplicated cases. Patients with complications during the first posttransplant year were not included.

RESULTS

There was a negative correlation between both RI and PI with creatinine clearance values at 1 month and at 1 year posttransplant. There was a significant decline in allograft function among cases with either RI > or = 0.7 or PI > or = 1.1. Patients with impaired allograft function have higher RI and PI values.

CONCLUSION

Renal allograft survival is influenced by many factors. However, no reliable simple parameter has been identified to predict long-term outcome. Doppler USG performed during the early transplantation period with calculation of RI and PI may have a predictive value to forecast early and long-term outcomes of noncomplicated kidney transplants.

Effects of farmyard manure and chemical fertilizers on the nutritional status of the loquat trees

The nutritional status of the loquat trees was investigated using cattle manure and commercial fertilizers for three years. The farmyard manure increased N, P, K, Mg, Fe and Zn contents of the leaves. No significant difference was found between the fertilizer types for trunk growth. Yield efficiency was nearly doubled by application of farmyard manure. Fertilizers did not affect the weight and shape of the fruits; however, commercial fertilizers led the lower total acidity in fruits. It was concluded that the loquat trees grown in sandy soils could fulfill their principal nutrient requirements for growth and commercial yield with application of farmyard manure.

Pure red cell aplasia preceding malignant lymphoma in a renal transplant patient

Malignant disorders are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in transplant patients. We present herein a renal transplant recipient with malignant lymphoma which preceded by pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). Acquired PRCA is a rare hematologic disorder in renal transplant recipients. It has been associated with a variety of disorders of immunologic dysfunction and neoplasms, exposure to drugs and toxins, infectious diseases, pregnancy and severe nutritional deficiency. This is the first case with PRCA preceding the malign lymphoma in a renal transplant patient. Treatment of lymphoma and lymphoma-related humoral and cellular changes or other undefined effects that may be related to therapy may be responsible of the resolving of PRCA in this patient. In this regard, renal transplant patients with acquired PRCA, must be closely followed for an underlying neoplastic disorder.

Finding the self? An event-related fMRI study

Researchers have long debated whether knowledge about the self is unique in terms of its functional anatomic representation within the human brain. In the context of memory function, knowledge about the self is typically remembered better than other types of semantic information. But why does this memorial effect emerge? Extending previous research on this topic (see Craik et al., 1999), the present study used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate potential neural substrates of self-referential processing. Participants were imaged while making judgments about trait adjectives under three experimental conditions (self-relevance, other-relevance, or case judgment). Relevance judgments, when compared to case judgments, were accompanied by activation of the left inferior frontal cortex and the anterior cingulate. A separate region of the medial prefrontal cortex was selectively engaged during self-referential processing. Collectively, these findings suggest that self-referential processing is functionally dissociable from other forms of semantic processing within the human brain.

Post-traumatic intradiploic epidermoid cyst. A case report

A patient with an intradiploic epidermoid cyst of calvarium was presented. Head injury that may cause the inclusion of epidermal cells into the diploe of the bone was present in his medical history. Skull radiographs and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the tumor. The tumor was totally removed and the patient was discharged free of symptoms.

A calcifying fibroma of the meninges report of a case and review of the literature

We report an unusual tumor related to the meninges designated as a calcifying fibroma of the meninges. Our patient was a 44-year-old man.The tumor was located in the right frontotemporoparietal region and was excised totally via a right frontotemporoparietal craniotomy. The patient had recovered completely, and no recurrence was observed in a follow-up period of three years. Histopathologically, we noted scattered spindle cells among the hyalinized collagenous stroma, dystrophicpsammomatous calcifications, abundant perivascular hyalinization and cartilagenous metaplasia. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed actin, smooth muscle and vimentin immunreactivities. Ultrastructurally, spindle cells showed fibroblastic features. The lesion is a true tumor and it should be kept in mind in the differential diagnoss of meningeal calcifying lesions.

Bone mineral density in haemodialysis patients: A comparative study of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and quantitative ultrasound

BACKGROUND

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of bone is a relatively new technique that appears to assess 'bone quality' in addition to bone mineral density. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of QUS of calcaneum and to correlate it with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in chronic haemodialysis patients.

METHODS

Broad-band ultrasound attenuation (BUA; dB/MHz) and speed of sound (SOS; m/s) of calcaneum and DEXA (g/cm(2)) measurements of the lumbar spine and hip were made in 39 patients. The indices obtained by either method were compared with age-and sex-matched controls. Calcaneal measurements were correlated to DEXA and relevant clinical and biochemical data of patients.

RESULTS

BUA and SOS values were markedly reduced in dialysis patients compared to controls (59.1+/-13.8 vs 73.0+/-16.2 dB/MHz, P:<0.001 and 1533+/-28 vs 1560+/-29 m/s, P:=0.014 respectively). There was a moderate, but significant association between calcaneal parameters and DEXA (r=0.32-0.53, P:<0.05). Both BUA and SOS scores were inversely correlated with age (r=-0.69, P:<0.001) and duration of menopause (r=-0.74, P:<0.01). Additionally, BUA values showed a moderate negative association with serum intact parathyroid values (r=-0.38, P:=0.018).

CONCLUSION

Chronic haemodialysis patients have reduced calcaneal BUA and SOS scores. QUS of the calcaneum is an easy-to-apply and radiation-free technique. It could be a useful substitute for assessment of bone density in such patients. However, further studies in large patient groups and comparisons with plasma markers of bone turnover and bone biopsy findings are needed to assess its potential place in the management of renal osteodystrophy.

Compliance in hemodialysis patients: unanticipated monitoring of biochemical indices

Compliance with the prescribed medical regimen is a critical factor for the continued well-being of hemodialysis patients. As compliance is a multifactorial problem, numerous approaches have been utilized to quantify the compliance of hemodialysis patients. In the present study, we have attempted to examine whether unanticipated control of biochemical indices might predict the compliance status of hemodialysis patients. We compared unanticipated mid-month values of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum potassium (K) and phosphate (PO4) values of 54 maintenance hemodialysis patients with the scheduled, regular first-week measurements during a 6-month study period. The interdialytic weight gain (IWG) levels of the corresponding weeks were also compared. Mid-month analysis revealed a significant deviation in the compliance status of the study population as BUN, serum K and IWGs were concerned (p < 0.05). The mid-month serum PO4 levels were also higher but the difference was not significant (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the differences observed in biochemical indices upon change of test request timing were distinctive. It suggests that unanticipated control of biochemical indices might contribute to the actual assessment of compliance in hemodialysis patients.

Determinants of soluble CD23 antigen levels in hemodialysis patients: effect of 1.25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 and recombinant human erythropoietin treatment

BACKGROUND

The immunodeficiency of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) paradoxically coexists with T cell and monocyte activation. In spite of well known defective antibody responses in ESRD, the functional status of B cells in the immune system dysregulation of uremia is still controversial. Soluble CD23 (sCD23) antigen is a recently identified B cell activation marker and is also involved in T cell activation process. Effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH), red blood cells and ferritin on T and B cell functions have been shown both in vivo and in vitro.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, serum levels of sCD23 in hemodialysis patients were determined to evaluate the functional status of B cells and possible linkages between this cytokine and PTH levels, ferritin levels, red blood cell counts were investigated.

RESULTS

Serum sCD23 levels were significantly elevated in hemodialysis patients relative to healthy controls (12.5+/-8.4 micro/l vs. 2.4+/-1.1 micro/l, p<0.001). Serum sCD23 levels were negatively correlated with red blood cell count (r = -0.61, p = 0.009) and serum PTH levels (r = -0.62, p = 0.008), while positively correlated with serum ferritin levels (r = 0.63, p = 0.007) in hemodialysis patients. We also investigated the immunumodulator effects of 1.25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1.25OHD3) and recombinant human erythropoietin (rHu-Epo) treatment in hemodialysis patients. 1.25OHD3 treatment for eight weeks did not change serum sCD23 levels in hemodialysis patients (n = 8). On the other side, rHu-Epo administration for 16 weeks led to a decrease in serum sCD23 levels (17.7+/-8.6 microg/l vs. 9.8+/-3.5 microg/l, p = 0.007) in these patients (n = 9).

CONCLUSION

These results suggests that similar to T cells, B cells are activated in uremia and the degree of this activation is correlated with red blood cell count, serum parathyroid hormone levels and iron status of the hemodialysis patients. Moreover, B cell activation could be altered by recombinant human erythropoietin therapy in hemodialysis patients.

Cyclical acute renal failure due to bilateral ureteral endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common disease but ureteral involvement is relatively rare. Ureteric endometriosis is mostly unilateral. Endometriotic ureteral obstruction is a serious event commonly diagnosed late and therefore associated with a major risk of hydronephrotic renal atrophy. We present the cyclical acute renal failure associated with menstruation in a patient who developed severe bilateral ureteral obstruction due to endometriosis. Physicians should be aware of this uncommon but serious manifestation of endometriosis, especially if the clinical presentation is cyclical acute renal dysfunction in a premenopausal woman.

Thrombopoietin and thrombospondin in renal allograft recipients

Recipients of renal transplants appear to be at increased risk of thromboembolic events. Despite accumulating evidence for the hyperreactivity of platelets, the primary regulator of thrombopoiesis, thrombopoietin (TPO), has not yet been studied in renal transplant recipients. Thus, the aim of the present study was to quantify the levels of TPO and to assess its contribution to increased platelet reactivity in recipients of renal allografts. Serum concentrations of thrombospondin (TSP) were also determined in patients undergoing renal transplants in order to evaluate the role of this multifunctional protein in platelet hyperaggregability. Serum levels of TPO were significantly lower in renal transplant recipients (n = 27) than in healthy controls (30.8+/-20.6 pg/ml versus 129.9+/-113.6 pg/ml, P = 0.001). Serum concentrations of TPO were correlated neither with serum levels of creatinine nor duration of transplantation. However, levels of TPO were negatively correlated with platelet counts (r = -0.50, P = 0.007) in recipients of renal transplants. Plasma levels of TSP were higher in renal transplant patients than in the control group (104.5+/-54.7 ng/ml versus 63.4+/-41.5 ng/ml, P = 0.003). No significant correlation was found between levels of TPO and TSP. We conclude that, rather than the allograft function, the platelet mass determines the levels of TPO in recipients of renal transplants. Despite the low serum levels of TPO, and increased concentrations of TSP, TPO might still play a role in the hyperaggregability of platelets in patients undergoing renal transplants.

Nonrelated living-donor kidney transplantation: medical and ethical aspects

Several patients with end-stage renal disease went to Bombay for renal transplantation from nonrelated living donors and then returned to Turkey for posttransplantation follow-up. The aims of this study are to evaluate the long-term results of renal transplantation from nonrelated living donors in Turkish patients with end-stage renal disease and to discuss the ethical and social aspects of nonrelated kidney donation. One hundred and twenty-seven patients (89 males, 38 females; mean age 38.1, range 17-63 years) were investigated retrospectively. None of the patients went to Bombay on our advice. All transplantations were performed between 1991 and 1995. The mean follow-up period after transplantation was 34.2 (range 1-68) months. Graft survival rates were 85, 83, and 57% after 3 months and 1 and 5 years, respectively. Patient survival rates were 94, 93, and 92% after 3 months and 1 and 5 years, respectively. Seven patients died within the first 3 months after the transplantation. Surgical problems, infections, acute rejection, ciclosporin nephrotoxicity, and hepatic problems were common complications. We conclude that medical and surgical complications occur frequently in paid kidney transplantation, but most of these complications can be prevented by adequate preoperative management, and precautionary measures should be taken to prevent commercialization of renal transplantation before the spread of emotionally related living kidney donation.

Computerized tomography-guided percutaneous bilateral selective cordotomy

Percutaneous bilateral cordotomy performed using conventional techniques may cause the patient to develop sleep-induced apnea due to bilateral destruction of the ventrolateral reticulospinal tract. Computerized tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous cordotomy using a newly designed needle electrode system has the advantages of safe, selective, and controlled lesioning under direct visualization in the lateral spinothalamic tract. Given its low complication rate, bilateral selective cordotomy performed with CT guidance using this new needle electrode system may prove to be the treatment of choice for cancer patients with bilateral pain of the lower trunk and extremities. The present series included five cancer patients suffering from intractable pain bilaterally in the lower trunk and extremities. All were treated with CT-guided bilateral selective cordotomy: the results demonstrate that this technique may be used effectively and safely.

Spinal cord stimulation with percutaneous and plate electrodes: side effects and quantitative comparisons

Spinal cord stimulation is limited by the uncomfortable side effects experienced by the patient as the amplitude of stimulation is increased. These side effects include local segmental paresthesias or motor responses, which are objectively demonstrable as frequency-following muscle contractions, attributable to dorsal root stimulation. The authors present evidence for another mechanism of stimulation-evoked discomfort, namely recruitment of small fibers in ligamentum flavum, which occurs when electrodes are inserted percutaneously and their contacts are exposed circumferentially; this does not occur with plate electrodes with insulated dorsal surfaces.

In a consecutive series of 79 patients with postsurgical lumbar pain syndromes, percutaneous four-contact electrodes were tested at levels from T-8 through T-12. At one or more levels, 46% of patients described paravertebral, nonradiating discomfort, unaccompanied by frequency-following muscle contractions. This was observed most commonly at the T-8 and T-9 levels. The effect was ameliorated in some cases by using multiple cathodes in parallel, which reduced the current density at individual contacts.

In 10 of these patients, this side effect interfered with an otherwise successful trial to such a degree that an insulated plate electrode was selected for permanent implantation at the same level as the percutaneous electrode. This eliminated the uncomfortable side effect completely in all patients. Intraoperative testing with the insulated plate electrode inverted (that is, contacts dorsal) reproduced the side effect in the majority of patients, indicating that structures dorsal to the electrode, such as fibers in ligamentum flavum, mediate the effect. Postoperative testing by computerized techniques demonstrated improved coverage of pain by stimulation paresthesias, with lower stimulation power requirements, using the insulated plate electrode.

This technical limitation of percutaneous spinal cord stimulation electrodes, which may confound treatment if unrecognized, has been found to have a straightforward solution which indicates the underlying mechanism.

Coagulation, fibrinolysis and fibrinolysis inhibitors in haemodialysis patients: contribution of arteriovenous fistula

BACKGROUND

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, not uncommonly, might exhibit thrombotic complications, as well as they may present with a bleeding diathesis. Changes in vessel wall and/or blood flow in native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) might also augment these disarrangements, as vascular endothelium is predominantly involved in the regulation of haemostatic pathways.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the state of coagulation and fibrinolysis and the role of AVF on haemostatic defects, in ESRD patients on maintenance haemodialysis.

METHODS

Plasma samples for prothrombin fragment 1+2, thrombin-antithrombin III complex, plasmin-alpha2 antiplasmin complex, tissue type plasminogen activator antigen, urokinase type plasminogen activator antigen, u-PA activity, plasminogen activity, alpha2-antiplasmin and alpha2-macroglobulin assays were obtained from AVF and contralateral large veins of ESRD patients and from peripheral veins of the control group.

RESULTS

Our results indicate a predominant thrombotic state as evidenced by activated coagulation markers and enhanced fibrinolysis in systemic circulation of ESRD patients. However the most novel finding is the probable contribution of AVF on haemostatic activation, as proven by the statistically different and positively correlated concentrations of both coagulation, fibrinolysis, and fibrinolysis inhibitors in AVF when compared to the levels in peripheral venous circulation.

CONCLUSION

In addition to systemic derangements of haemostasis in ESRD patients, AVF individually might have a substantial role in the modulation of coagulation and fibrinolytic cascade.

CT-guided pain procedures for intractable pain in malignancy

CT-guided stereotactic percutaneous destructive procedures, i.e. percutaneous cordotomy, trigeminal tractotomy, and extralemniscal myelotomy, have been routinely used for the treatment of localized intractable pain in malignancy since 1987. In 67 cases if local pain due to malignancy, CT guided percutaneous cordotomy was performed and in 97% complete pain control was achieved. In 45 of these cases, a "selective cordotomy" was performed meaning that analgesia was produced only in the painful region of the body. CT guided trigeminal tractotomy was applied to a total of 19 cases in 5 of which pain had been caused by malignancy. The results were satisfactory. 12 cases, suffering from visceral pain due to malignancy, were treated by CT-guided extralemniscal myelotomy and in 10 cases pain relief was achieved.

The effect of intrathecal sodium nitroprusside on severe chronic vasospasm

The efficacy of sodium nitroprusside in resolving cerebral vasospasm was evaluated with multicisternal injections. Twelve animals received fresh, unheparinized arterial blood via three injections (15 ml total) into the cisterna magna. Selective vertebral arteriography was performed on Day 0, and blood injections were performed on the second and third days after the first injection. On the seventh day selective arteriography was performed to evaluate the diameter of the basilar artery. In the sodium nitroprusside group, intrathecal injections of the drug were started on Day 4 and continued for two days (25 micrograms/kg/day). The diameter of the basilar artery was reduced 72.98 +/- 11.07% in control experiments. For the animals treated with intrathecal sodium nitroprusside, the mean diameter of the basilar artery was reduced 29.25 +/- 4.54%. The effect of intrathecal sodium nitroprusside on intracranial pressure (ICP), blood pressure (BP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) was also evaluated in 14 animals. There were no prominent changes in ICP, BP, or ECG when sodium nitroprusside was given intrathecally, but BP decreased and ICP and heart rate increased with intravenous doses of sodium nitroprusside. These results support the hypothesis that sodium nitroprusside administered intrathecally is an effective treatment for cerebral vasospasm.

Diagnostic value of bone marrow biopsy in patients with renal disease secondary to familial Mediterranean fever

Systemic AA type amyloidosis with renal involvement is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). A histopathological examination is essential to achieve a definite diagnosis in systemic amyloidosis. The diagnostic yield of the procedure varies according to the biopsy site and renal biopsy has the highest yield. On the other hand this procedure has its own complications and requires hospitalization of the patient. Alternative biopsy sites have been proposed with varying degrees of sensitivity and morbidity to reduce the morbidity and mortality of solid organ biopsies. We performed bone marrow biopsies in 39 patients with FMF who had different stages of renal disease. Thirty-one (79.5%) of the 39 specimens showed significant perivascular amyloid infiltration when stained with crystal violet and Congo red. An immunoperoxidase stain with a monoclonal antibody proved that these deposits were AA type amyloid. We suggest that bone marrow biopsy can be utilized for a safe and quick diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis in patients with FMF and renal disease.