Utility of early post-treatment single-photon emission computed tomography imaging to predict outcome in stroke patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator.

It is important to predict the outcome of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-treated patients early after the treatment for considering the post-tPA treatment option. We assessed cerebral blood flow (CBF) of tPA-treated patients with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) 1 hour after tPA infusion to predict the patient outcome. Technetium-99m-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime SPECT was performed in 35 consecutive tPA-treated patients. Asymmetry index, a contralateral-to-ipsilateral ratio of CBF, was calculated to analyze CBF quantitatively. Hypoperfusion or hyperperfusion was defined as a decrease of 25% or more or a increase of 25% or more in asymmetry index, respectively. Of all 35 patients, 23 had only hypoperfusion, 8 had both hypoperfusion and hyperperfusion, 2 had only hyperperfusion, and 2 had no perfusion abnormality. When evaluating the association between hypoperfusion and outcome, hypoperfusion volumes were significantly correlated with the modified Rankin Scale at 3 months (r = .634, P < .001). Hyperperfusion was observed in 10 patients (28.6%) and they showed a marked National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score improvement in the first 24-hour period, which were significantly greater than those of 25 patients without hyperperfusion (P = .033). Eight patients (22.9%) with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) were all asymptomatic. Most ICHs were located in hypoperfusion areas, and no ICH was related to hyperperfusion. The results of the present study demonstrated that hypoperfusion volume was associated with poor outcome, whereas the presence of hyperperfusion seemed to be predictive of symptom improvement but not of development of ICH. Taken together, early post-treatment SPECT imaging seems to be a useful biomarker of outcome in tPA-treated patients.

[A case of combined glossopharyngeal and trigeminal neuralgia].

It is well-known that idiopathic neuralgias of the trigeminal and glossopharyngeal nerves are caused by vascular compression at the root entry zone of the cranial nerves. Because they are functional diseases, initial treatment is medical, especially with carbamazepine. However, if medical therapy fails to adequately manage the pain, microvascular decompression (MVD) is prescribed. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is rare, and combined trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia is an extremely rare disorder. A 70-year-old woman presented herself to Hokkaido Neurosurgical Memorial Hospital because of paroxysms of lancinating pain in her left pharynx and another lancinating pain in her left cheek. Carbamazepine, which was prescribed at another hospital, favorably relieved the pain; however, drug eruption compelled her to discontinue the medication. The multi-volume method revealed that a root entry zone of the left glossopharyngeal nerve was compressed by the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery, and the left trigeminal artery was compressed by the left superior cerebellar artery. MVD for both nerves was performed employing a left lateral suboccipital craniotomy. She experienced complete relief of pain immediately after MVD. Combined trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia is extremely rare, but some groups noted a relatively high incidence of concurrent trigeminal neuralgia in patients with glossopharyngeal neuralgia up until the 1970's. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia includes pain near the gonion; therefore, there is an overlap of symptoms between glossopharyngeal and trigeminal neuralgias. By virtue of recent progress in imaging technology, minute preoperative evaluations of microvascular compression are possible. Until the 1970's, there might have been some misunderstanding regarding the overlap of symptoms because of lack of the concept of microvascular compression as a cause of neuralgia and rudimentary imaging technology. Minute evaluations of both symptoms and imaging are very important.

Intradural lumbar radicular arteriovenous malformation mimicking perimedullary arteriovenous malformation of the conus medullaris: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Intradural radicular arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the cauda equina is a rare entity of spinal AVMs. Because of the specific arterial supply of the conus medullaris and cauda equina, AVMs in this area sometimes present with confusing radiological features. OBSERVATIONS: The authors reported a rare case of intradural radicular AVM arising from the lumbar posterior root. The patient presented with urinary symptoms with multiple flow void around the conus medullaris, as shown on magnetic resonance imaging. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated arteriovenous shunt at the left side of the conus medullaris fed by the anterior spinal artery via anastomotic channel to the posterior spinal artery and rich perimedullary drainers. There was another arteriovenous shunt at the L3 level from the left L4 radicular artery. Preoperative diagnosis was perimedullary AVM with radicular arteriovenous fistula. Direct surgery with indocyanine green angiography revealed that the actual arteriovenous shunt was located at the left L4 posterior root. The AVM was successfully treated by coagulation of feeding branches. LESSONS: Unilateral arteriovenous shunt fed by either posterior or anterior spinal artery at the conus medullaris may include AVM of the cauda equina despite abundant perimedullary venous drainage. Careful pre- and intraoperative diagnostic imaging is necessary for appropriate treatment.

Insulin resistance and the adiponectin/leptin ratio as a surrogate measure of insulin resistance in Japanese collegiate baseball players.

BACKGROUND: No study has previously investigated insulin resistance in collegiate baseball players. The purposes of this study were to examine: 1) the insulin resistance; and 2) the usefulness of the adiponectin/leptin (A/L) ratio compared with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for assessing insulin resistance in collegiate baseball players. METHODS: Twenty collegiate baseball players with abdominal obesity (AO group) defined by a waist circumference (WC) ≥85 cm, 65 lean baseball players with a WC<85 cm (L group), and 20 controls who were sedentary for at least 1 year (C group) were compared. The Body Mass Index, WC, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. RESULTS: The AO group had a significantly higher insulin level, HOMA-IR, and leptin level, and lower A/L ratio than the L and C groups. The AO group had a significantly higher prevalence of insulin resistance (50%) than the L (14%) group. The A/L ratio was significantly negatively correlated with body weight, Body Mass Index, WC, triglycerides, triglycerides/HDL-C ratio, apolipoprotein B, hs-CRP, insulin, HOMA-IR, and leptin, and positively correlated with HDL-C, whereas HOMA-IR was significantly positively correlated with body weight, Body Mass Index, WC, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fasting plasma glucose, and insulin, and negatively correlated with adiponectin and the A/L ratio. In the forward stepwise multiple regression analysis, WC, triglycerides, and hs-CRP were the significant determinants for the A/L ratio, whereas diastolic blood pressure and WC were the significant determinants for HOMA-IR. This model explained 53.7% of the variance in the A/L ratio and 13.6% of the variance in HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that the baseball players with abdominal obesity had a significantly higher prevalence of insulin resistance than the lean baseball group. The A/L ratio may be more useful than HOMA-IR to accurately assess insulin resistance in male collegiate baseball players.

Secondary Chiari malformation due to enlarged spinal arachnoid villi-like structure: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Secondary Chiari malformation can be caused by various disorders associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage at the spinal level. In this report, the authors describe a rare case of secondary Chiari malformation caused by excessive CSF absorption through the enlarged spinal arachnoid villi-like structure. OBSERVATIONS: A 20-year-old woman presented with progressive severe headache and posterior neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed tonsillar herniation and decreased subarachnoid space around the spinal cord. A hypointense signal area was observed in the ventral spinal canal on a T2-weighted image. An axial image revealed multiple small, arachnoid cyst-like structures at the right T1 nerve root sleeve. Direct surgery revealed that the cyst-like structures were continuous with the arachnoid membrane and protruded into the abnormally large epidural venous sinus. The cyst-like structures were resected, and the dural sleeve was repaired using fascia. The patient showed good improvement of symptoms after surgery. LESSONS: Excessive CSF absorption through the enlarged spinal arachnoid villi-like structure can cause secondary Chiari malformation. Neurosurgeons should be aware of this unusual mechanism of CSF leakage. Simple posterior fossa decompression will be ineffective or even harmful.

Pathophysiology and surgical treatment of spinal adhesive arachnoid pathology: patient series.

BACKGROUND: Spinal adhesive arachnoid pathology is a rare cause of myelopathy. Because of rarity and variability, mechanisms of myelopathy are unknown. The authors retrospectively analyzed patients to understand pathophysiology and provide implications for surgical treatment. OBSERVATIONS: Nineteen consecutive patients were studied. Thirteen patients had a secondary pathology due to etiological disorders such as spinal surgery or hemorrhagic events. They received arachnoid lysis (4 patients), syringo-subarachnoid (S-S) shunt (8 patients) with or without lysis, or anterior decompression. Three of them developed motor deterioration after lysis, and 6 patients needed further 8 surgeries. Another 6 patients had idiopathic pathology showing dorsal arachnoid cyst formation at the thoracic level that was surgically resected. With mean follow-up of 44.3 months, only 4 patients with the secondary pathology showed improved neurological grade, whereas all patients with idiopathic pathology showed improvement. LESSONS: The idiopathic pathology was the localized dorsal arachnoid adhesion that responded to surgical treatment. The secondary pathology produced disturbed venous circulation of the spinal cord by extensive adhesions. Lysis of the thickened fibrous membrane with preservation of thin arachnoid over the spinal veins may provide safe decompression. S-S shunt was effective if the syrinx extended to the level of normal subarachnoid space.

Physical activity, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase in dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although a low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic heart disease, the mechanism of HDL-C abnormality in hemodialysis (HD) as well as peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of physical activity with HDL-C subfractions and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in HD and PD patients. METHODS: Thirty-five HD and 26 PD patients were studied. Physical activity was estimated as the average number of steps taken per day over 7 days (steps/day). RESULTS: When possible confounding factors were included in the stepwise multiple regression analyses, in HD patients, steps/day was significantly positively related to HDL(2)-C and apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I, while it was significantly positively related to HDL(3)-C in PD patients. When subjects were subdivided into 3 groups according to steps/day, in HD patients, the highest category of steps/day had significantly higher HDL(2)-C and Apo A-I than the lowest category, while such results were not observed in PD patients. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the associations of physical activity with HDL-C subfractions and Apo A-I that are known in the general population are more pronounced in HD patients than PD patients.

[A case of subarachnoid hemorrhage presenting with supplementary motor aphasia as an initial symptom].

Supplementary motor aphasia results from impairment of the supplementary motor area in the left mesial frontal cortex. We report a rare case of subarachnoid hemorrhage presenting with supplementary motor aphasia as an initial symptom. A 52-year-old woman was brought to our hospital by ambulance due to sudden severe headache and supplementary motor aphasia. CT demonstrated subarachnoid hemorrhage that appeared to be particularly thick in the pericallosal cistern. She had undergone neck clipping of a left vertebral artery aneurysm for subarachnoid hemorrhage 14 years earlier. At that time, she underwent neck clipping of a de novo anterior communicating artery aneurysm. The postoperative course was uneventful and supplementary motor aphasia had disappeared in 4 weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of subarachnoid hemorrhage presenting with supplementary motor aphasia as an initial symptom. In this case, adhesion of the arachnoid membrane resulting from old subarachnoid hemorrhage might have prevented new subarachnoid hemorrhage from spreading diffusely. Hematomas spread mainly into the pericallosal cistern from ruptured aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery. Therefore, thick hematoma in this cistern might have compressed the supplementary motor area, resulting in supplementary motor aphasia. Aphasia disappeared as pressure from the hematoma dissipated. Neurosurgeons may be likely to encounter a patient showing a transient consciousness disturbance after the use of the anterior interhemispheric approach or within a period of vascular spasm. Supplementary motor aphasia might also be included in such consciousness disturbance. Supplementary motor aphasia might be a reversible symptom if there is no irreversible damage to the supplementary motor area by infarction or intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

Physiological responses of simulated karate sparring matches in young men and boys.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the duration of each series of offensive and defensive techniques and the cardiovascular, metabolic, and perceptual responses during 2- and 3-minute bouts of simulated karate sparring. Six young men (age, 18-20 years) and 6 boys (age, 16-17 years) participated in this study. We formed 3 pairs of men and 3 pairs of boys to create a demanding competitive environment. After a rest period, each pair performed a 2-minute bout of sparring, sat quietly for 60 minutes, and then performed 3-minute bout of sparring. We measured oxygen uptake (Vo2), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate responses and ascertained the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and energy expenditure (EE) during these sparring bouts. The ventilatory threshold was estimated from ventilatory equivalent and Vo2 obtained during the treadmill test. The duration of each series of offensive and defensive techniques was videotaped. During the 2- and 3-minute bouts of sparring, the duration of longest series of offensive and/or defensive combination techniques performed were 2.1 +/- 1.0 and 1.8 +/- 0.4 seconds, respectively; the mean total times of performing offensive and defensive techniques were 13.3 +/- 3.3 and 19.4 +/- 5.5 seconds, respectively. The mean oxygen uptake (Vo2), the percentage of maximum oxygen uptake (%Vo2max), HR, percentage of maximum HR, RPE, and EE for a 3-minute bout of sparring were significantly higher than for a 2-minute bout of sparring. The mean %Vo2max values for these bouts of sparring were below the ventilatory threshold. It is recommended that karate practitioners perform more specific weight training, plyometric exercises, and interval training to increase the ability to buffer acid muscle and blood concentrations and to build lean body mass, strength, and power to develop the specific motor skills required in sparring.

A restricted subarachnoid hemorrhage in the cortical sulcus in cerebral amyloid angiopathy: could it be a warning sign?

BACKGROUND: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a well-known disease that is predominantly recognized in elderly people and repeatedly causes large subcortical hemorrhages. These hemorrhages may be derived from vessel wall weakness because of Abeta depositions in the wall of the cortical and leptomeningeal arteries. Although vessel ruptures in CAA have been thought to occur in cortical arteries, it was recently demonstrated that the primary hemorrhage occurs in the subarachnoid space, particularly the cerebral sulci, as a result of multiple ruptures of meningeal arteries in some cases of subcortical hematoma caused by CAA. CASE DESCRIPTION: Case patient 1 was a 74-year-old woman who presented with epileptic seizure. A restricted SAH in the right frontal lobe was observed on MRI. Thirty-three days later, left hemiparesis occurred suddenly and a huge subcortical hematoma was observed in the right frontal lobe on CT. The hematoma was removed, and the patient was pathologically diagnosed with amyloid angiopathy. Case patient 2 was a 73-year-old man who presented with epileptic seizure. A restricted SAH in the right frontal lobe was observed on MRI. Twenty days later, left hemiparesis occurred suddenly and a huge subcortical hematoma was observed in the right frontoparietal area on CT. Hematoma removal was performed on both patients, and they were diagnosed pathologically with amyloid angiopathy. CONCLUSIONS: We report on the cases of 2 patients with CAA who presented with epileptic seizure and were found to have a restricted subarachnoid hematoma in the cerebral sulcus on MRI before their subcortical hemorrhages occurred. Both cases were diagnosed pathologically. This demonstrated that vessel ruptures in CAA can occur in the subarachnoid space, particularly the cerebral sulci, as a result of ruptures of meningeal arteries. A restricted SAH on CT/MRI could be a warning sign of a huge subcortical hemorrhage in CAA.

Calcified vestibular schwannoma in the cerebellopontine angle.

Although vestibular schwannoma is a common tumor in the cerebellopontine angle, calcified vestibular schwannoma is rare. A 59-year-old woman with sudden onset epileptic seizures, was referred to Hokkaido Neurosurgical Memorial Hospital. Neurological examination revealed left Bruns nystagmus, left deafness and left cerebellar ataxia. Brain MRI revealed a mass, about 3cm in diameter, in the left cerebellopontine angle. The mass showed heterogeneous intensity on T1- and T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. Hydrocephalus was seen. On CT scan, the tumor was calcified. Preoperatively, vestibular schwannoma, meningioma, cavernous hemangioma, or thrombosed giant aneurysm were considered as differential diagnoses. The pathological diagnosis was schwannoma. For a calcified mass in the cerebellopontine angle, vestibular schwannoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis to plan appropriate treatment strategies.

Localized reversible high signal intensities on diffusion-weighted MRI in hypoglycemia: A study of 70 cases.

INTRODUCTION: It is well-known that localized reversible high signal intensities in the splenium of the corpus callosum or the basal ganglia appear on diffusion-weighted MRI in the presence of hypoglycemia. The aim of this study was to clarify the incidence and significance of such high signal intensity lesions. RESULTS: We analyzed 70 cases of hypoglycemia with consciousness disturbance referred to our outpatient office. Localized reversible high signal intensities on diffusion-weighted MRI were noted in 6 cases (8.6%). They were at the splenium of the corpus callosum in four cases (5.7%), and right frontal cortex and bilateral frontal white matter in one each. Convulsions were noted in five cases, and right hemiparesis was noted in three. None of the three cases of hemiparesis showed localized reversible high signal intensities on diffusion-weighted MRI. These lesions are reversible if the patients undergo treatment without delay. CONCLUSION: The significance of these lesions is still unclear. However, when a high signal intensity lesion that is not reasonable for the symptom is detected on diffusion-weighted MRI, an immediate check of the blood sugar level is mandatory.

Cigarette smoking, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions, and lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase in young women.

Much of the published data on the relationship of cigarette smoking (CS) with serum lipids and lipoproteins is based on studies of middle-aged individuals. Data on young women are scarce. This study examined the relationship of CS with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) subfractions and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity in Japanese collegiate women. Twenty-three current smokers were individually matched for physical activity scores, age, and body mass index (BMI) with 23 nonsmokers. There were no significant differences between smokers and nonsmokers in the mean nutrient intakes. Smokers had significantly lower mean HDL-C, HDL2-C, total cholesterol, and LCAT activity than nonsmokers. In univariate analyses, BMI significantly negatively correlated with HDL-C and HDL2-C. LCAT activity significantly positively correlated with HDL3-C, LDL-C, total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG). In multiple regression analyses, the number of CS was positively related to TG. BMI was negatively related to TC. LCAT activity was positively related to LDL-C, TC, and TG. These results suggest that the known associations in older adults of CS with HDL-C subfractions and LCAT activity are already apparent in young women.

Acute cervical cord injury associated with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) sometimes present with acute spinal cord injury caused by only minor trauma. In the present study, we reviewed our experience of acute cervical cord injury associated with OPLL to understand the pathomechanisms and to provide clinical information for management of this disorder. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were retrospectively analyzed. There were 26 men and 2 women, aged 45 to 78 years (mean, 63.0 yr). Most patients experienced incomplete spinal cord injury (Frankel Grade A, 3; B, 1; C, 15; and D, 9). RESULTS: Radiological studies revealed continuous- or mixed-type OPLL in 14 patients and segmental-type OPLL in 14 patients. The sagittal diameter of the spinal canal was reduced to 4.1 to 10 mm at the narrowest level as a result of OPLL. Developmental size of the spinal canal was significantly smaller in the group with segmental OPLL. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed that spinal cord injury occurred predominantly at the caudal edge of continuous-type OPLL or at the disc levels. Surgery was performed in 24 patients either by posterior (18 patients) or anterior (6 patients) decompression at various time intervals after the trauma. Twenty patients (71%) displayed improvement in Frankel grade. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates the preexisting factors and pathomechanisms of acute spinal cord injury associated with cervical OPLL. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful to understand the level and mechanism of injury. Further investigation will be needed to elucidate the role of surgical decompression.

Spinal canal size in ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine.

BACKGROUND: The size of the spinal canal is a factor that contributes to the neurologic deficits associated with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). METHODS: Bone-window computed tomography (CT) examinations of the cervical spine in 64 patients with cervical OPLL were reviewed. Forty-two patients underwent surgical treatment (anterior decompression: 16 patients, posterior decompression: 26 patients). The remaining 22 patients were managed conservatively. Selection of the surgical approach, anterior or posterior, was based on the longitudinal extent of cord compression. RESULTS: The mean developmental size of the spinal canal in the posterior decompression group (10.7 mm at C4) was significantly smaller than the other 2 groups. The spinal canal was narrowed by OPLL to 2.9 to 10.0 mm. The proportion of the patients showing motor deficits of the lower extremities significantly increased when the sagittal canal diameter was narrowed to less than 8 mm. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates critical values of CT-determined spinal canal stenosis. Developmental size of the spinal canal and the residual anterior-posterior canal diameters resulting from OPLL spinal cord compression are important factors influencing clinical management and the neurologic state.

Migration of ventriculoperitoneal shunt into the heart--case report.

A 76-year-old man underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Eighteen days after the shunt operation, fluoroscopy revealed the peritoneal catheter in the heart. Three-dimensional computed tomography demonstrated penetration of the catheter into the internal jugular vein. Under local anesthesia, part of the peritoneal catheter was pulled out through the cervical incision and cut off. The ends of the peritoneal catheter were connected so that the distal end was settled in the right atrium of the heart under fluoroscopic visualization. The migration of the peritoneal catheter into the heart presumably occurred because the subcutaneous wire guide of the shunt catheter perforated the internal jugular vein and the catheter was drawn into the heart through the internal jugular vein by the negative pressure of the vein and thoracic cavity.

Nutrient intake, serum lipids and iron status of colligiate rugby players.

BACKGROUND: There are two main playing positions in rugby (backs and forwards), which demonstrate different exercise patterns, roles, and physical characteristics. The purpose of this study was: 1) to collect baseline data on nutrient intake in order to advise the athletes about nutrition practices that might enhance performance, and 2) to compare serum lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins (apo), lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, and iron status of forwards and backs. METHODS: The sporting group was divided into 18 forwards and 16 backs and were compared with 26 sedentary controls. Dietary information was obtained with a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: There were significant differences among the three groups. The forwards had the highest body weight, body mass index, percentage of body fat (calculated by sum of four skinfold thicknesses), as well as the highest lean body mass, followed by the backs and the control group. The mean carbohydrate intake was marginal and protein intake was lower than the respective recommended targets in all three groups. The mean intakes of calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B1, B2, and C were lower than the respective Japanese recommended dietary allowances or adequate dietary intakes for the rugby players. The forwards had significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and HDL2-C than the backs and had significantly higher apo B and LCAT activity than the controls. The backs showed significantly higher HDL-C, HDL3-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apo A-I, and LCAT activity than the controls. Four forwards (22%), five backs (31%), and three controls (12%) had hemolysis. None of the rugby players had anemia or iron depletion. CONCLUSION: The findings of our study indicate that as the athletes increased their carbohydrate and protein intake, their performance and lean body mass increased. Further, to increase mineral and vitamin intakes, we recommended athletes increase their consumption of green and other vegetables, milk and dairy products, and fruits. The forwards showed more atherogenic lipid profiles than the backs, whereas the backs showed not only anti-atherogenic lipid profile, but also showed more atherogenic lipid profile relative to the control group. Additionally, our study showed none of the rugby players experienced anemia and/or iron depletion.

Physical activity and blood lipids and lipoproteins in dialysis patients.

The relationship between physical activity and blood lipids and lipoproteins in dialysis patients is reviewed in the context of the potentially confounding factors such as nutritional intake, cigarette smoking, obesity, alcohol intake, and physical activity levels in the general population and additional confounding factors such as mode of dialysis and diabetes in dialysis patients. The known associations in the general population of physical activity with high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions and apolipoprotein A-I are more pronounced in hemodialysis patients than in peritoneal dialysis patients even after adjusting for these confounding factors. Examining studies on the effects of physical activity on blood lipids and lipoproteins, the most consistent observation is the noted decrease in triglycerides and increase in high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin sensitivity in hemodialysis patients. The changes in lipids and lipoproteins in hemodialysis patients could be caused by changes in activity levels of lipoprotein lipase, insulin sensitivity, and/or glucose metabolism. Future research investigating the relationship between physical activity and blood lipids and lipoproteins in dialysis patients should direct research towards the underlying mechanisms for changes in blood lipids and lipoproteins.

Spontaneous regression of an anterior skull base mass.

Spontaneous regression of an intracranial mass is rare. We report a 77-year-old man with spontaneous regression of an anterior skull base mass suspected to be an inflammatory pseudotumor. The patient attended our outpatient department approximately once per month for a regular check-up following a brain stem infarction. A small mass was detected at the anterior skull base by MRI. The mass gradually grew to about 3 cm over a period of 5 years and then remained stable for 3 years. Thereafter, the mass showed spontaneous regression 8 years after it was first visible on MRI. 'Inflammatory pseudotumor' is a broad category and the natural history of these lesions is highly variable. Although the definition does include some types of malignant lesion, most masses are benign lesions that can regress spontaneously, as in our patient. A 'wait-and-see' policy is appropriate for such patients.