[Localized amyloidosis of the ENT area]

Although amyloidosis is in general a systemic disorder, it may occur as an isolated lesion, especially in the head and neck. The actual classification of amyloidosis is dependent on the biochemical nature of its protein deposits. In the present report, the symptoms and diagnosis of localized amyloidosis are discussed with special regard to histological findings.

[Pupillary dilatation with Eckardt iris retraction sutures within the scope of vitreoretinal surgery. A follow-up study]

In cases of complicated vitreoretinal surgery, maximal mydriasis is necessary. Preexisting or intraoperatively occurring miosis in aphakic eyes can be remedied by the iris suture by Eckardt. In our hospital, the iris suture technique was carried out in 31 cases. The postoperative situation depends on the extent of retraction of the iris sutures and the general course of the disease. At maximal retraction, the iris is forced against the ciliary body, causing persisting synechias; therefore, to us it seems important to separate all synechias after opening the iris sutures. The formation of anterior loops is also possible. Thus, it is essential to release the endangered segments behind the ciliary body and at the base of the vitreous body from tractive elements immediately after opening the iris sutures. Based on our present experience, we think non-maximal retraction of the iris is desirable. It offers enough view of the fundus and reduces the complications mentioned above.

[Effect of a betamethasone-dimethidine-maleate combination on dermatologic diseases. Determination of plasma cortisol levels before, during and after several days' therapy]

The combination of betamethasone and dimetindene maleate (Fenistil Plus) is a new combination of a corticosteroid and an antihistaminic agent. According to the pharmaceutical formula, patients must take three capsules daily, whereby only the morning dose contains betamethasone as well as the antihistaminic. The aim of the study, which was performed on dermatological cases, was to examine the restitution of plasma cortisol concentrations following circadian betamethasone therapy of several days duration, as well as to confirm the clinical effectiveness of the drug combination. The results obtained in the study, carried out in a total of nine Patients suffering from various types of dermatitis, showed that the desired therapeutic effects were achieved. In three patients, plasma cortisol concentrations were found to have returned to normal values within four days after cessation of a ten days treatment. From the above results it may be concluded that permanent adrenocortical suppression is not to be expected in patients treated with betamethasone (0,75 mg) in the morning, for a period of ten days. Furthermore, it may be stated that dimetindene maleate (3 mg/day) in combination with the morning dose of betamethasone proved to be therapeutically effective.