Cavernous hemangiomas of the spinal cord: MR imaging.

In three patients with histologically proved cavernous hemangiomas of the spinal cord, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was superior to myelography, delayed computed tomography (CT) myelography, and contrast-enhanced CT in depicting the lesion. The presence of mixed subacute and chronic hemorrhage, suggested by mixed high- and low-signal-intensity components of these lesions on MR images, may be characteristic of this rare, intramedullary vascular malformation.

CT findings in late-onset epilepsy.

We reviewed the CT findings of 387 patients with new-onset seizures after the age of 50. Seizures were generalized in 212 patients, focal in 160, and indeterminant in 15. CT scanning revealed cerebral atrophy in 113 cases, ischemic lesions in 75, cerebral neoplasms in 20, and no abnormality in 177 cases. Tumours were found in only three patients with generalized seizures, and all three had focal neurological deficits at the time of CT diagnosis, while 17 neoplasms were discovered in patients with a focal seizure disorder. The majority of patients with late-onset epilepsy have a normal CT scan with cerebral atrophy being the most common abnormality detected. Cerebral vascular disease appears to be the most frequently identified cause of late-onset epilepsy, while cerebral neoplasms are uncommon.

Assessment of oral candidiasis in patients with respiratory disease and efficacy of a new nystatin formulation.

Fifty consecutive patients with respiratory diseases who developed oropharyngeal candidiasis were assessed clinically and microbiologically before and after seven days' treatment with nystatin suspension or pastilles (a new formulation). In 45 patients in whom microbiology yielded positive results there was frequent associated use of oral corticosteroids, antibiotics, sedatives, and inhaled corticosteroid, while in a few patients atropine analogues may have predisposed to infection. Dentures were worn by 32 of the infected patients. Concomitant treatment of dentures in chronically infected patients appeared to improve the therapeutic response. Pastilles and suspension were equally efficacious both clinically and microbiologically. The potential for enhanced drug delivery to the oropharynx suggests that nystatin pastilles may be useful in patients in whom poor compliance seems likely.

Embolization with temporary balloon occlusion of the internal carotid or vertebral arteries.

Functional vascular anastomoses at the base of the brain allow for temporary occlusion of the carotid or vertebral arteries. Six embolizations with temporary balloon occlusion of the internal carotid or vertebral artery are reported. Polyvinyl alcohol was the embolic material in all cases and all procedures were performed using digital angiography. The size of the embolic particles and the positioning of the balloon related to the branches of the occluded vessel is discussed.

The transfer of cephradine across the placenta.

The transfer of maternally administered cephradine (1 g given intravenously) to the fetal circulation and amniotic fluid was investigated in 2 pregnant patients undergoing fetoscopy. Cephradine was detected in fetal serum between 23 and 72 minutes after injection and was present in therapeutic concentrations. Fetal serum levels appeared to peak at approximately 40-50 min. Amniotic fluid levels were rising during the sampling period of 97 min. Cephradine is transferred across the placenta and appears to be a suitable antibiotic for use in selected obstetric patients when penetration of the fetal compartment is desirable.

A new long-acting injectable microcapsule system for the administration of progesterone.

A long-acting injectable microcapsule system for the controlled-release systemic administration of progesterone (P4) is described. The system consists of microcapsules made of the biodegradable polymer, d,l-polylactic acid, which contain crystalline P4. Following injection, P4 is released from the microcapsules by diffusion and biodegradation of the polymer matrix. The rate of P4 release from the prototype microcapsule system in vivo is 1.3 microgram of P4/day/mg of microcapsules, and the duration of release is 30 days. Vaginal estrous cycles in rats and cyclic ovarian function in baboons were inhibited for 1 month following a single injection of P4 microcapsules. The effects of continuous progesterone therapy on reproductive function in both rats and baboons are dose-dependent. The utility of the system as a once-a-month injectable contraceptive is established in the baboon model.

PIP: A longacting injectable microcapsule system for the controlled-release systemic administration of progesterone is described and photographed. The microcapsules are made of biodegradable polymer which contain crystalline progesterone. After injection, the progesterone is released over time from the microcapsules by diffusion and biodegradation of the polymer matrix. Rats and baboons were used to evaluate the in vivo rates of progesterone release from different capsule preparations. Results are graphed and tabulated. Tests showed that 50% of the progesterone is available for quick release while the other 50% remains to be released at a slower rate. Smaller microcapsules released the progesterone at a greater rate and a shorter duration. By using larger microcapules, it should be possible to extend the useful duration of the microcapsule system. Vaginal estrus cycles in rats and cyclic ovarian function in baboons were inhibited for 1 month following injection of the progesterone microcapsules. This method of delivery has the advantages that it obviates cyclic overdosing and underdosing and it can be delivered both locally and systemically.