Post-measles pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in malnourished children.

One hundred and seventy-two children with complicated measles were studied clinically andeadiologically for the presence of post-measles pnemomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. Eleven cases (6.4%) were found to have this complication. Protein energy malnutrition was an association in 81.8% of these patients. The condition was severe and fatal in one patient, while emergency tracheostomy was needed in another patient who had upper air way obstruction due to gross subcutaneous emphysema. We suggest close observation and early intervention in patients with severe and rapidly progressive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, air block and whenever there is a jeopardy to the cardiovascular system.

Achondrogenesis type II (Langer-Saldino)--a case report.

Achondrogenesis is a lethal form of congenital chondrodystophy characterised by extreme micromelia. Definitive clinical and radiographic criteria have been established to differentiate Type II Achondrogenesis (Langer-Saldino) from type I Achondrogenesis (Parenti-Fraccaro). The mode of inheritance is autosomal recessive for both types. We are presenting a case of Type II Achondrogenesis, a still born male to consanguinous parents. The clinical features included an enlarged head, protuberant abdomen and short stubby limbs. The mother had earlier delivered two still born males presumably with similar features. Radiographic characteristics of absence of rib fractures and well ossified iliac bones with concave medial margins and absent or deficient ossification of the sacrum, ischiae, and pubic bones differentiated Type II Achondrogenesis from Type I Achondrogenesis.