Hereditary continuous muscle fiber activity.

We describe a family with classic features of continuous muscle fiber activity (Isaacs-Mertens syndrome) appearing in an autosomal dominant pattern. Both a mother and her son had muscle stiffness and rigidity in early childhood. Because the mother's condition was not immediately apparent, we recommend a thorough examination of family members.

Early diagnosis and management of cerebritis in a child.

A 3 1/2-year-old boy with primary staphylococcal septicemia presented with elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein and pleocytosis. Serial computerized tomography examinations revealed the development of an intracranial lesion suggestive of an early infectious process. All cultures of cerebrospinal fluid taken before and after antibiotic treatment revealed no growth. Although no focal neurological findings evolved, both clinical and radiologic abnormalities resolved with antibiotic therapy. Computerized tomography can provide a means to diagnose cerebritis and to evaluate therapeutic response.

Congenital oculomotor nerve palsy, cerebellar hypoplasia, and facial capillary hemangioma.

We saw two infants with the unusual combination of oculomotor nerve palsy, facial capillary hemangioma, cerebellar hypoplasia, and apparent gaze palsy. Systematic imaging of children with congenital oculomotor nerve palsy may lead to the recognition of more associated neurologic abnormalities that are not clinically apparent, as was the case in our patients.

Linear nevus sebaceus syndrome.

The linear nevus sebaceus syndrome, a neurocutaneous disorder, is characterized by anomalies of ectodermal and mesenchymal structures. We briefly describe the diagnostic features and management of this condition in a 2-year-old child.