Gene introgression into Coffea arabica by way of triploid hybrids (C. arabica x C. canephora)

Interspecific triploid hybrid plants between the tetraploid species Coffea arabica L. and the diploid species C. canephora P. were backcrossed to C. arabica. Although characterised by a low production and an important fruit dropping, all attempted crosses (ie, 6) generated BC(1) progenies. Flow cytometric analysis of the nuclear DNA content revealed that most of the BC1 individuals were nearly tetraploid. Among the male gametes produced by the interspecific triploid hybrids, those presenting a high number of chromosomes appeared strongly favoured. Only pollen mother cells having nearly 22 chromosomes were effective, the others leading to deficient endosperm and fruit dropping. Molecular markers (ie, microsatellite and AFLP) combined with evaluations of morphological characteristics and resistance to leaf rust were applied to verify the occurrence of gene transfer from C. canephora into C. arabica, and to estimate the amount of introgression present in BC(1) individuals. The results reveal a strong deficiency in the C. canephroa alleles indicating a severe counter-selection against the introgression of genetic material from C. canephora into C. arabica by way of triploid hybrids. However, introgressants displaying desirable traits such as a high resistance to leaf rust were obtained. The low level of introgression could be an advantage by facilitating the recovery of the recurrent parent and possibly reducing the number of required backcrosses. On the other hand, this could be a limitation when attempting the transfer of a complex trait or several simply inherited traits.

Sonographic findings in aneurysmal bone cyst in children: correlation with computed tomography findings

PURPOSE

This study compares the value of sonography and computed tomography (CT) in assessing fluid-fluid levels (FFLs) in aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) in children.

METHODS

Five children 4-13 years old with ABC in pubis, humerus, fibula, calcaneus, and ilium-ischium were studied between January 1995 and December 1996. Plain radiography, sonography, and CT were performed.

RESULTS

FFLs were visualized equally or better with sonography than with CT.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that sonography be used to complement plain radiography in the prebiopsy assessment of expansile bone lesions with cortical bone thinning because the presence of FFLs is characteristic of ABC. CT and/or magnetic resonance imaging could be used in indeterminate cases and in complex anatomic locations. Such an approach would save time and reduce costs and discomfort to children.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 in children: MR imaging and follow-up studies of central nervous system findings

PURPOSE

To determine the frequency, evolution and diagnostic impact of characteristic central nervous system MR imaging lesions in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

SUBJECTS

We reviewed 89 children with established or clinically suspected disease. A final diagnosis of NF1 was made in 72 (age range, 10 months to 14 years).

RESULTS

Hyperintense lesions on long TR images were detected in 78% of patients, principally involving the basal ganglia, cerebellum and brain stem. In 30% of the globus pallidus lesions, hyperintensity was seen on short TR images, being usually isointense on IR T1 weighted images. Globus pallidus lesions did not enhance. Eight patients presented atypical unenhanced lesions showing either edema, mass effect or hypointensity on short TR images; 2 of them were considered symptomatic brain stem gliomas. Six other children showed one or more growing enhanced cerebral lesions classified as tumors. Other child developed a growing enhanced lesion that markedly decreased in the follow-up studies. Twenty patients (28%) had optic gliomas. In two children, under 6 years old, this tumor appeared de novo. Forty-five children had several follow-up MR imaging studies (mean interval, 3 years). Regression of the basal ganglia lesions, both in size and/or intensity was noticed in 42% of cases, enlargement or new appearance of lesions in 24.5%, mixed increased/decreased in 7%, and stability in 26.5%. White matter lesions of the cerebellum and brain stem decreased in size in 40%, grew in 15.5%, showed a mixed increased/decreased pattern in 11%, and remained unchanged in 33.5% of cases. An involutional tendency of these lesions occurred in children older than 10 years, while progression was more frequent in younger children (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperintense lesions are highly prevalent and characteristic in patients with NF1. MR imaging contributed to a definitive diagnosis of NF1 in 53% of suspected cases. Follow-up studies are necessary in the evaluation of suspected NF1, even if the first examination is negative.

Eikenella corrodens skull infection: a case report with review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Subgaleal abscesses and skull osteomyelitis are very uncommon since the introduction of antibiotics. Eikenella corrodens infection is extremely rare in childhood and has never been reported in calvarial osteomyelitis.

METHODS

We present a previously healthy 9-year-old boy, with a history of frontal contusion without injury, who developed E corrodens osteomyelitis of the skull. The radiographic findings are reviewed, including skull films and computed tomographic scans. The patient underwent surgical debridement of the lesion, as well as systemic medical therapy with amoxicillin. We review the medical and surgical therapy for such lesions. The differential diagnosis of a posttraumatic scalp swelling is also reviewed.

RESULTS

Good resolution after debridement and antibiotic therapy is reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical intervention is emphasized for the removal of bony sequestrum and nonviable bone while maintaining an intact dura.

Osteochondroma post osteomyelitis

We report a case of radial metaphyseal osteochondroma secondary to osteomyelitis in a premature baby of 28 weeks. This is the second case with these characteristics that has been described in the literature. A possible pathogenesis is related to trauma during drainage of the abscess or following the associated inflammatory process.

Laryngeal involvement in pediatric neurofibromatosis: a case report and review of the literature

A case of neurofibroma of the larynx occurring in generalized neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen's disease) is presented, and the previously reported pediatric cases are reviewed. Laryngeal involvement in neurofibromatosis is rare and the predominant signs and symptoms include dyspnea, stridor, loss or change of voice and dysphagia. Problems posed related to diagnosis, management and course of this infrequent laryngeal localization are discussed.

Plasma cell granuloma of the lung in childhood: atypical radiologic findings and association with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy

Three cases of pulmonary plasma cell granuloma in the pediatric age group are presented. Although rare, it is the most frequent primary lung tumor in childhood. In two of the cases, there was a close adherence between the tumor and the surrounding mediastinal structures and diaphragm, a very uncommon feature in these tumors. In the other case, plasma cell granuloma of the lung was seen in association with a clinical-radiological picture of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, which resolved after excision of the mass. Such an association has not, to date, been reported in the literature, and could constitute an additional finding useful in the differential diagnosis of primary lung tumors in childhood. The literature concerning this issue has been reviewed.

Effectiveness of pneumatic reduction of ileocolic intussusception in children

A total of 158 consecutive therapeutic air enemas were performed upon 133 patients during a 2-year period. Perforation and/or an impairment of the general condition of the children were the only main contraindications for the reduction attempt (five patients). Successful reductions were achieved in 89% of cases with no complications. Operation was performed in all 17 cases of unsuccessful reduction: resection in four cases, easy manual reduction in nine, difficult manual reduction in two, and spontaneous reduction in two. There were 16 (12%) patients with one or more recurrent episodes. In 23 (16%) cases, following pneumatic reduction, a swollen ileocecal valve showing a multiple appearance was observed. This fact sometimes results in a differential diagnosis with incomplete reduction; in all these cases, small bowel aeration was always a sign of complete reduction. No significant difference was noted between a swollen ileocecal valve and patient age, duration of symptoms, presence of small bowel obstruction, and further recurrences. Air enema has improved our previous success obtained with hydrostatic reduction (79%), as well as being a simpler, cleaner, and faster technique for intussusception reduction in children.

Diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome: comparison of the efficacy of CT and MR imaging in 14 cases

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a neurocutaneous syndrome that includes facial and leptomeningeal angiomas. Imaging findings include cerebral lobar atrophy, brain calcifications, choroid plexus enlargement, cranial diploë prominence, and venous abnormalities. We compared the efficacy of CT and MR imaging in making the diagnosis in 14 consecutive patients. CT, with and without contrast enhancement, was performed in all patients, and 11 of the 14 had MR imaging (eight before and after administration of IV gadopentetate dimeglumine). MR imaging was better than CT in showing the extent and degree of brain parenchymal atrophy, the presumed ischemic changes affecting the gray and white matter, and the cranial diploetic prominence on the affected side. MR imaging after contrast administration permitted a better evaluation of the extent and patency of the leptomeningeal angiomatous malformation and the parenchymal venous anomalies. CT was better than MR imaging in showing the presence and extent of cortical calcifications. Enhanced CT and MR imaging were equal in evaluating the prominence of the ipsilateral choroid plexus. Our experience indicates that contrast-enhanced MR imaging is the method of choice in the diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome. Unenhanced CT should be used only if MR findings are normal, to exclude the presence of intracranial calcifications.

Neuroimaging in tuberous sclerosis: a clinicoradiological evaluation in pediatric patients

CT, MRI and neurological features of 27 children with tuberous sclerosis were prospectively compared. Imaging studies were positive in 92.5% of cases. CT was more useful in detecting subependymal nodules, while MRI showed the number and location of cerebral cortical and subcortical lesions more accurately. Cortical lesions in the cerebellar hemispheres were present in 26% of patients. Gadolinium-DTPA used in 10 patients showed slight enhancement of the subependymal lesions in 80% of cases, probably representing active lesions with alteration of the blood-brain barrier. None of the cortical and subcortical lesions enhanced. Giant-cell astrocytomas were detected in 5 patients, the postcontrast CT and MRI studies improving their assessment. Unlike subependymal nodules, all tumors showed marked enhancement regardless of their size. Seizures were present in 96% of patients, mostly beginning before 1 year of age. There was no clear relationship between the radiological features and the neurological evolution of these patients. Therefore, it is not possible to establish a clinical prognosis based on the radiological findings. MRI is the procedure of choice in the diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis. When pre and postcontrast MRI are negative, CT is used to exclude small calcified subependymal nodules. MRI follow-up is required only when tumoral development is clinically suspected.

Imaging considerations of central nervous system manifestations in pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1

CT and MRI were used in a prospective study of the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations in 41 consecutive children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). Gadolinium-DTPA was used in 15 patients. MRI was more effective than CT in delimiting the extension of the optic pathway glioma and in evaluating associated cerebral malformations. MRI visualized lesions generally undetected by CT, in the form of iso- or hyperintense foci with respect to the cerebral cortex in T2-weighted sequences. Well-delimited lesions of high signal intensity were observed in the globus pallidus (22 cases), the internal capsule (6 cases), corpus callosum (2 cases), anterior commissure (1 case) and semioval center (2 cases). Poorly defined hyper- or isointense areas were also observed affecting the cerebellar white matter (21 cases) and brain stem (17 cases). None of these lesions showed Gadolinium-DTPA enhancement, and were of no clinical significance. MRI has displaced CT in the initial diagnosis of patients with NF-1. Periodic annual MRI controls are only justified in patients with MRI changes to evaluate the progression or stabilization of the lesions.

Value of sonography in true complete diphallia

A case of true complete diphallia associated with multiple malformations is presented. Complete radiological evaluation should include sonography of both penes preoperatively to classify the penile duplication correctly.

Hepatic hamartoma in a newborn

In a newborn infant with heart failure and hepatomegaly the radiological findings suggested hepatic haemangioendothelioma, but subsequently the tumour proved to be a hamartoma.

Humero-spinal dysostosis

A 2 year old boy with humero-spinal dysostosis is described. This is the third case of this disease reported in the literature. Humero-spinal dysostosis is characterised radiologically by distal humeral bifurcation, elbow subluxation and coronal cleft vertebrae. Congenital, progressive heart disease, possibly with fatal outcome, is probably part of the syndrome.

[Radiological diagnosis of primitive hepatic tumors in infants (author's transl)]

Six primitive hepatic tumours (two benign and four malignant) collected over a period of seven years, are studied. The symptoms were mild or absent in many of the cases, and all were discovered after investigation of hepatomegaly or abdominal mass. The importance of the co-ordinated use of radiological and gammagraphical findings is pointed out.

The non-ossified pubis

A group of syndromes is presented whose common characteristic is the absence of pubic ossification at birth with very slow posterior mineralization. This is a radiological finding of interest as it has not been described in other entities. In all the cases shown, moreover, a variable degree of delay in bone age is observed. The increase of space between the pubic bones described in these syndromes is fictious, as it really signifies the existence of non-ossified cartilage. Therefore, they must be differentiated from those which deal with real widening of the symphysis of pubis.

The wide spectrum of the asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia

Seven cases of A. T. D. are presented. Radiological findings were extraordinarily diverse. The prognosis of the disease is difficult for each individual case, because of the frequent pulmonary complications and cystic renal lesions are not always directly related to the severity of the bone changes. The authors believe that the term "thoracic-pelvic-phalangeal dysplasia" proposed by Langer, is the most adequate, since it points to the key factors in the diagnosis of the disease.

Indications for pneumoperitoneum in the diagnosis of congenital anomalies in the umbilical region

Thirty pneumoperitoneograms were performed postmortem and 5 were performed for diagnosis: the technique itself, the radiological anatomy of the umbilical region, and the usefulness of the procedure in diagnosis are discussed. Pneumoperitoneum may be indicated in the investigation of a bleeding Meckel's diverticulum, in the exclusion or confirmation of remnants of the omphalomesenteric duct, in chronically moist lesions of the umbilicus resistant to symptomatic treatment, in suspected cases of non-communicating urachal cysts which cannot be diagnosed by cystogram, and in the differential diagnosis of abdominal tumours related to the umbilical region.

The Weissenbacter-Zweymuller syndrome. A case report with review of the world literatue

This report describes a patient with a form of chondrodysplasia characterised by a rhizomelic shorteining of the limbs, metaphyseal widening, vertebral coronal clefts and retrognathia. This syndrome was first described by Weissenbacher and Zweymuller in 1964. All the relevant literature available has been reviewed and it has been concluded there are mild and severe forms of this syndrome.

[Some additional facts about thymus (author's transl)]

Three cases are presented of eventual diagnostic errors concerning the thymus. In the first case right aberrating lobe appeared radiologically as a tumour of posterior mediastinum. In the second case, the large thymic malleability, enabled it to invade medium mediastinum and to show an extraordinary variability in shape when in decubitus. Finally, a post surgical hematomata, in a patient affected by a cyanogen cardiopathy actually showed some problems of radiological diagnosis with the characteristic thymus regeneration.