Anterior Chamber Depth and Lens Thickness Measurements in Pediatric Eyes: Ultrasound Biomicroscopy Versus Immersion A-Scan Ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare anterior chamber depth (ACD) and lens thickness (LT) measurements by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), A-scan cross vector (CV) overlay with UBM, and immersion A-scan technique in pediatric eyes. METHODS: This prospective comparative cohort study comprised 43 eyes of 25 pediatric participants (mean age: 2.3±2.2 y). UBM and immersion A-scan biometry were performed prior to dilation and intraocular surgery. ACD and LT were measured by UBM image analysis, A-scan CV UBM overlay, and immersion A-scan technique. RESULTS: ACD and LT measurements obtained using immersion A-scan were significantly greater than with UBM image analysis with mean differences of 0.52 mm and 0.62 mm, respectively (p < 0.001). Immersion A-scan and UBM measurements were moderately correlated (r = 0.70 and 0.64, p < 0.001). ACD and LT measurements obtained using CV overlay were not significantly different than UBM measurements and the values were strongly positively correlated (r = 0.95 and 0.93, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Immersion A-scan may overestimate ACD and LT compared to UBM in pediatric patients due to oblique placement of the A-scan probe relative to the optical axis. Supplemental use of UBM and/or CV overlay is indicated to improve measurement accuracy in pediatric patients who cannot reliably fixate due to the ability to confirm proper alignment of the probe with the pupil by visualizing the anterior segment.

Multimodal prenatal and postnatal imaging of microphthalmia with cyst.

Congenital ocular anomalies may be detected on prenatal imaging using fetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), although standard prenatal ultrasound for fetal physical development does not currently include ocular and orbital evaluation. We present the case of a male infant born at 39 weeks' gestation with microphthalmia with cyst that was characterized using serial multimodal imaging, including fetal ultrasound and MRI, B-scan ultrasonography, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and postnatal MRI. Multiple prenatal and postnatal imaging modalities yielded comparable evaluations of the ocular and orbital pathology, validating the prenatal assessments.

Surgical Management of Iris Bombe in Muscle-Eye-Brain Disease.

A 2-year-old girl with severe muscular dystrophy presented with unilateral eye pain and corneal clouding. She was found to have absent red reflex, hypotonia, cerebral hypoplasia, and iris bombe on ultrasound biomicroscopy, a feature not previously reported in this syndrome. She responded favorably to surgical management. Iris bombe can be a cause of glaucoma in muscle-eye-brain disease. This highlights the importance of incorporating ultrasound biomicroscopy into the diagnostic algorithm of muscle-eye-brain disease and other types of congenital syndromic glaucoma. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(4):e35-e37.].

Quality assessment of polymer materials for human model eye development.

PURPOSE: We developed model eyes using six polymer materials to determine which materials were most appropriate in simulating real human sclera and extraocular muscle (EOM). METHODS: Five three-dimensional (3-D) printed polymers (FlexFill, PolyFlex, PCTPE, Soft PLA, and NinjaFlex) and one silicone material were systematically tested by board-certified ophthalmologists and senior ophthalmology residents. Material testing included scleral passes with 6-0 Vicryl sutures through each eye model. Participants completed a survey designed to collect demographic data, subjective assessment of each material's accuracy in simulating real human sclera and EOM, and a ranking for each polymer material to identify which would be most suitable for an ophthalmic surgery training tool. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was conducted to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of ranks between the polymer materials. RESULTS: The distribution of ranks for silicone material's "sclera" and "EOM" components were statistically significantly higher than that of all other polymer materials (all p < 0.05). Silicone material received the highest rank for both "sclera" and "EOM" components. Survey results indicated that the silicone material effectively simulated real human tissue. CONCLUSION: Silicone model eyes performed better than 3-D printed polymers as an educational tool for incorporation into a microsurgical training curriculum. Silicone models provide a low-cost teaching tool that allows for independent practice of microsurgical techniques without requiring a wet-laboratory facility.

Historias de violencia y desigualdad de género en mujeres del mercado municipal / Violence and gender inequality in women market vendors stories

Introducción: El problema de la violencia no sólo afecta a quien la padece, pues tiene efectos colaterales en los hijos y otros familiares, lo cual deteriora su salud física, mental y emocional. Objetivo: Analizar la situación de desigualdad y la violencia de género en las mujeres. Metodología: El estudio se realizó bajo un enfoque cualitativo de tipo fenomenológico, aplicando la técnica de la entrevista a profundidad con previo consentimiento informado para su grabación, transcripción, análisis e interpretación. Resultados: Se identificaron formas de violencia física, sexual, psicológica, económica y patrimonial debido a las relaciones asimétricas dentro del hogar, producto del machismo y un sistema patriarcal que afectan la calidad de vida y el desarrollo social de las mujeres. Limitaciones: Las mujeres participantes eran vendedoras del mercado municipal y contaban con poco tiempo disponible para las entrevistas, pues el cierre de sus puestos de trabajo podía generar pérdidas económicas. Valor del estudio: La violencia y desigualdad de género son problemáticas en los países latinoamericanos que se deben abordar desde toda perspectiva para su identificación y prevención oportuna. Conclusiones: La situación de violencia y desigualdad de género ha tenido un impacto negativo no sólo en la vida de las mujeres entrevistadas, sino también de su núcleo familiar, sin embargo, cada una de ellas busca mejorar sus condiciones de vida a pesar de estas adversidades.

Introduction: Gender violence does not only affect the women who suffer it, since it causes collateral effects to children and other family members that deteriorates their physical, mental and emotional health. Objective: To analyze gender inequality and gender-based violence against women. Methodology: We carried out qualitative research of phenomenological type, applying in-depth interviews with previously informed consent for its recording, transcription, analysis and interpretation. Results: Physical, sexual, psychological, economic and patrimonial violence were identified in asymmetrical relationships as a result of sexism and the patriarchal system, which affects women's quality of life and social development. Limitations: Female participants were vendors from a local market and had limited time for the interviews, since the closing of their stands could cause economic losses. Value of the study: Gender-based violence and gender inequality constitute a problem in Latin American countries that should be thoroughly studied for its identification and timely prevention. Conclusions: Gender-based violence and gender inequality produces a negative impact not only on the lives of the women interviewed, but also on their families, however, every one of them tries to improve their life conditions and overcome adversities.

A novel method for strabismus surgery education using an asynchronous video module.

Conjunctival closure is an important step in strabismus surgery and a fundamental surgical skill that requires dexterity and understanding of general surgical principles. Traditionally, ophthalmology residents have improved their surgical technique in supervised wet labs. Social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic may have limited the ability for direct supervised surgical teaching. We developed a safe, reusable, low-cost teaching module that allows residents to train independently to develop skills necessary for conjunctival closure. This module uses stepwise teaching and video instruction to improve resident confidence and preparedness in conjunctival suturing.

Corneal Structural Changes in Congenital Glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To identify corneal structure differences on quantitative high-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) among subjects with congenital glaucoma compared with controls. METHODS: This prospective case-control study evaluated 180 UBM images from 44 eyes of 30 subjects (18 control and 12 glaucoma, mean age 5.2±8.0 years, range 0.2-25.8 years) enrolled in the Pediatric Anterior Segment Imaging and Innovation Study (PASIIS). ImageJ was used to quantify a comprehensive set of corneal structures according to 21 quantitative parameters. Statistical analysis compared corneal measurements in glaucoma subtypes and age-matched controls with significance testing and mixed effects models. RESULTS: Significant differences between congenital glaucoma cases and controls were identified in 16 of 21 measured parameters including angle-to-angle, central and peripheral corneal thicknesses, scleral integrated pixel density, anterior corneal radius of curvature, and posterior corneal radius of curvature. Eight parameters differed significantly between primary congenital glaucoma and glaucoma following congenital cataract surgery. CONCLUSION: Multiple measurable corneal structural differences exist between congenital glaucoma and control eyes, and between primary and secondary congenital glaucoma, including but not limited to corneal width and thickness. The structural differences can be quantified from UBM image analysis. Further studies are needed to determine whether corneal features associated with glaucoma can be used to diagnose or monitor progression of congenital glaucoma.

A Novel Interactive Virtual Medical Student Clinical Rotation for Ophthalmology.

Objective This article describes a novel clinical rotation that uses technology to create a remote ophthalmology learning experience with the goal of improving virtual exposure to medical and surgical ophthalmic training for medical students. Methods Our unique curriculum incorporates mobile-mounted tablets which allow students to virtually participate in inpatient consults, clinic, and ophthalmic surgery. An adaptable mounting device attached to the slit lamp allows students to observe examinations in real time, enhancing recognition of ocular pathologies. Students participate in a robust curriculum that includes independent learning modules, video lectures, interactive modules, podcasts, and surgical video rounds. Students engage with residents and faculty in interactive-guided lectures and case-based discussions that focus on the American Academy of Ophthalmology white paper teaching objectives. Students are mailed surgical instruments and participate in surgical modules and faculty-led virtual wet laboratories. Results Our unique virtual curriculum combines didactic learning, interactive content, and novel technology applications such as mobile tablets, slit lamp-mounted devices, and faculty-led virtual wet laboratories. Conclusion Virtual technologies can be utilized to enhance ophthalmology medical student education in a safe and effective way during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and to improve educational access in the future.

A Novel Method for Teaching Laser Peripheral Iridotomy and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Using Video Instruction and Model Eyes.

Objective The aim of the study is to describe an inexpensive and easily-constructed model eye for the purpose of teaching laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) to ophthalmology residents. Methods Easily constructed, inexpensive model eyes were utilized to teach residents SLT and LPI utilizing a remote self-study module. A teaching microscope attachment allowed for video-based instruction and feedback. Results This model eye, used in conjunction with video modules is an effective low-cost teaching tool for laser surgery among ophthalmology residents. Attending ophthalmologists rated the use of these model eyes using surveys and found them to be appropriate teaching tools that could lead to improved knowledge and translate to better patient care. Conclusion Our novel method for teaching glaucoma laser surgery allows residents to learn the principles and theory behind common laser procedures while having the opportunity to practice repetitive procedures on low-cost model eyes.

Spontaneous absorption of congenital cataract in trisomy 21.

We report a case of spontaneous cataract absorption over a period of 19 weeks in a 5-week-old boy with trisomy 21. Ultrasound biomicroscopy images at 5 and 24 weeks of age showed that 71% of the initial lens thickness was absorbed during this period. At surgery, the lens thickness was 0.92 mm in the right eye and 0.91 mm in the left eye. Uncomplicated cataract extraction was performed. Trypan blue staining revealed an area of possible lens leakage through the anterior lens capsule in the left eye, suggesting a mechanism for cataract absorption.

Renal cystic diseases during the perinatal and neonatal period.

Renal cystic diseases are a clinically and genetically diverse group of renal diseases that can manifest in utero, infancy, or throughout childhood and adulthood. These diseases may be unilateral or bilateral with a single cyst or multiple cysts, or with increased echogenicity of the renal cortex without macroscopic cysts. Certain cystic renal diseases are life-threatening, with many developing chronic kidney and hepatic disease if not recognized early enough. Therefore, due to the prevalence and life-altering complications of this specific group of diseases in vulnerable populations, it is crucial for clinicians and healthcare providers to have an overall understanding of cystic diseases and how to pre-emptively detect and manage these conditions. In this review, we discuss in detail the epidemiology, genetics and pathophysiology, diagnosis, presentation, and management of numerous genetic and sporadic renal cystic diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease, multicystic dysplastic kidney, and calyceal diverticula, with an emphasis on prenatal care and pregnancy counseling.

A systematic review of ultrasound biomicroscopy use in pediatric ophthalmology.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is the only available option for noninvasive, high-resolution imaging of the intricate iridociliary complex, and for anterior segment imaging with corneal haze or opacity. While these unique features render UBM essential for specific types of trauma, congenital anomalies, and anterior segment tumors, UBM imaging has found clinical utility in a broad spectrum of diseases for structural assessments not limited to the anterior intraocular anatomy, but also for eyelid and orbit anatomy. This imaging tool has a very specific niche in the pediatric population where anterior segment disease can be accompanied by corneal opacity or clouding, and anomalies posterior to the iris may be present. Pediatric patients present additional diagnostic challenges. They are often unable to offer detailed histories or fully cooperate with examination, thus amplifying the need for high-resolution imaging. This purpose of this systematic review is to identify and synthesize the body of literature involving use of UBM to describe, evaluate, diagnose, or optimize treatment of pediatric ocular disease. The collated peer-reviewed research details the utility of this imaging modality, clarifies the structures and diseases most relevant for this tool, and describes quantitative and qualitative features of UBM imaging among pediatric subjects. This summary will include information about the specific applications available to enhance clinical care for pediatric eye disease.

Non-Dietary Correlates and Determinants of Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in the Irish Population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate non-dietary correlates and determinants of plasma lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) concentrations in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) sample. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Community dwelling adults in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). PARTICIPANTS: 3,681 participants aged 50 years and older. MEASUREMENTS: TILDA is a nationally representative prospective cohort study of community dwelling adults aged 50 years and over in the ROI. Demographic and health variables were collected during a face-to-face interview carried out in the home (n=8175), and a substantial proportion of these (n=5035; 62%) also attended a study visit in a health assessment centre. Blood samples collected at baseline (wave 1, the subject of the current study), were analysed for plasma concentrations of L and Z by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography, and macular pigment (MP) optical density was also measured (using customized heterochromatic flicker photometry). RESULTS: After excluding participants with eye disease, data from 3,681 participants were available for analysis. For this group of participants, plasma L and Z were inversely and significantly associated with body mass index (BMI), and were positively and significantly associated with MP, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p<0.001, for all). Plasma L and Z were significantly lower in males, current smokers, participants reporting less physical exercise, and participants reporting lower levels of education (p<0.05, for all). Plasma L was significantly higher in participants reporting a family history of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (p=0.001), and in the group of ≥75 years old (p<0.05). For each of these variables, the significant associations remained after controlling for other potential confounding variables. CONCLUSION: The findings of this large study indicate that plasma concentrations of L and Z were lower in association with indicators of a poor lifestyle (high BMI, tobacco use, and less physical exercise) and in association with lower education, indicating that modifying lifestyle in a positive way is likely to be reflected in higher concentrations of plasma carotenoids, with consequential and putative health benefits.

Reliability and Determinants of Self-Evaluation of Breathing Questionnaire (SEBQ) Score: A Symptoms-Based Measure of Dysfunctional Breathing.

Dysfunctional breathing is characterised by an abnormal breathing pattern leading to respiratory symptoms. The 25-item Self Evaluation of Breathing Questionnaire (SEBQ) has been developed to measure breathing-related symptoms and their severity but lacks thorough evaluation. To determine reproducibility, internal consistency and predictors of SEBQ score, 180 participants completed an online SEBQ with additional demographic and lifestyle questions. Two weeks later, 155 of those repeated SEBQ. Test-retest correlation of the SEBQ was high [intraclass correlation coefficient (3, 1) = 0.89; 95 % CI 0.85-0.92]. There was no difference in SEBQ score between test and retest (15.1 (11.6) [mean (SD)] versus 14.7 (12.4); P = 0.4) and the score showed a typical error (standard error of measurement) of 4.0. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's α = 0.93), and a single factor structure for items was shown. Smoking status, reported respiratory disease, recent respiratory illness and female gender were positively-associated predictors of SEBQ score, and together explained 25.6 % of score variance (P ≤ 0.001). The SEBQ has high test-retest reproducibility and its score may be predicted by current smoking, chronic respiratory disease, recent respiratory illness and female gender, thus may be a useful clinical screening tool for dysfunctional breathing.

Serous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas: a multinational study of 2622 patients under the auspices of the International Association of Pancreatology and European Pancreatic Club (European Study Group on Cystic Tumors of the Pancreas).

OBJECTIVES: Serous cystic neoplasm (SCN) is a cystic neoplasm of the pancreas whose natural history is poorly known. The purpose of the study was to attempt to describe the natural history of SCN, including the specific mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective multinational study including SCN diagnosed between 1990 and 2014. RESULTS: 2622 patients were included. Seventy-four per cent were women, and median age at diagnosis was 58 years (16-99). Patients presented with non-specific abdominal pain (27%), pancreaticobiliary symptoms (9%), diabetes mellitus (5%), other symptoms (4%) and/or were asymptomatic (61%). Fifty-two per cent of patients were operated on during the first year after diagnosis (median size: 40 mm (2-200)), 9% had resection beyond 1 year of follow-up (3 years (1-20), size at diagnosis: 25 mm (4-140)) and 39% had no surgery (3.6 years (1-23), 25.5 mm (1-200)). Surgical indications were (not exclusive) uncertain diagnosis (60%), symptoms (23%), size increase (12%), large size (6%) and adjacent organ compression (5%). In patients followed beyond 1 year (n=1271), size increased in 37% (growth rate: 4 mm/year), was stable in 57% and decreased in 6%. Three serous cystadenocarcinomas were recorded. Postoperative mortality was 0.6% (n=10), and SCN's related mortality was 0.1% (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: After a 3-year follow-up, clinical relevant symptoms occurred in a very small proportion of patients and size slowly increased in less than half. Surgical treatment should be proposed only for diagnosis remaining uncertain after complete workup, significant and related symptoms or exceptionally when exists concern with malignancy. This study supports an initial conservative management in the majority of patients with SCN. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRB 00006477.

Evaluación del conocimiento del Proceso de Atención de Enfermería: Estudiantes de licenciatura de Enfermería. Facultad "Lidia Doce". 2013 / Assessment of knowledge of the Nursing Assistive Process: Undergraduate Nursing students. "Lidia Doce" Faculty. 2013 / Avaliação do conhecimento no Processo de Atenção de Enfermagem: Estudantes de Licenciatura de Enfermagem. Faculdade "Lidia Doce". 2013

La aplicación, a partir de 1995, del Proceso de Atención de Enfermería (PAE) como método sistemático de intervención para la implementación de cuidados profesionales provocó, impacto a nivel nacional e internacional. Objetivo: Evaluar conocimientos del Proceso de Atención de Enfermería en un grupo de alumnos que están concluyendo su formación académica. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, aplicando encuesta anónima autoadministrada a estudiantes de 5º año Facultad de Enfermería ¨Lidia Doce" en abril 2013. La encuesta fue aplicada a 33 estudiantes de 38 que constituían la matrícula física y que fueron encuestados al mismo tiempo en las diferentes rotaciones, previo consentimiento informado. Se analizaron variables cognoscitivas (valoración, intervención, evaluación) y se identificaron problemas por etapas, se calificó de aprobados y desaprobados. Resultados: La etapa de intervención aportó mayor número de desaprobados, existen errores en las tres etapas estudiadas. Discusión: Las observaciones obtenidas en el presente estudio confirman otras evidencias relacionadas con la dificultad del conocimiento en el Proceso de Atención de Enfermería, sobre todo en la etapa de intervención.

The establishment, in 1995, of the Nursing Assistive Process (NAP) as a systematic method of intervention for the implementation of professional care generated an important impact both nationally and internationally. Objective: To assess the knowledge of the nursing assistive process among students who are finishing their academic training. Method: A descriptive, transversal study using self-administered anonymous interviews with students from the "Lidia Doce" Nursing Faculty in their 5th year during April 2013. The interview was distributed to 33 of a total of 38 students at the same time during several shifts, and who signed the corresponding Informed Consent form. Cognitive variables (assessment, intervention, evaluation) were analyzed, and problems were identified by stages - the results were either approved or not approved. Results: The intervention stage produced a higher number of non-approvals. There were errors in the three studied stages. Discussion: The observations confirm other evidence related to the difficulty of knowledge of the Nursing Assistive Process, particularly at the intervention stage.

A aplicação do Processo de Atenção de Enfermagem (PAE) a partir de 1995 como método sistemático de intervenção para a implementação de cuidados profissionais, originou um impacto a nível nacional e internacional. Objetivo: Avaliar conhecimentos do processo de atenção de enfermagem num grupo de alunos que estão a concluir a sua formação académica. Método: Realizou-se um estudo descritivo, transversal, aplicando uma sondagem anónima auto-administrada a estudantes do quinto ano na faculdade de enfermagem "Lidia Doce" em Abril de 2013. A sondagem foi aplicada a 33 estudantes em 38, que constituíam a matrícula física e de igual forma lhes foi aplicado o questionário nas diferentes rondas, com consentimento prévio e informado. Analisaram-se variáveis cognoscitivas (valorização, intervenção e avaliação) e identificaram-se problemas por etapas, bem como dar nota para aprovação e desaprovação. Resultados: A etapa de intervenção deu um maior número de desaprovados, porém existem erros nas três etapas estudadas. Discussão: As observações obtidas no presente estudo confirmam outras evidências relacionadas com a dificuldade de conhecimento no processo de atenção de enfermagem, sobretudo na etapa da intervenção.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations and resulting exposure in homes in California: relationships among passive air, surface wipe and dust concentrations, and temporal variability.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in furniture foam, electronics, and other home furnishings. A field study was conducted that enrolled 139 households from California, which has had more stringent flame retardant requirements than other countries and areas. The study collected passive air, floor and indoor window surface wipes, and dust samples (investigator collected using an HVS3 and vacuum cleaner) in each home. PentaBDE and BDE209 were detected in the majority of the dust samples and many floor wipe samples, but the detection in air and window wipe samples was relatively low. Concentrations of each PBDE congener in different indoor environmental media were moderately correlated, with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.42 and 0.68. Correlation coefficients with blood levels were up to 0.65 and varied between environmental media and age group. Both investigator-collected dust and floor wipes were correlated with serum levels for a wide range of congeners. These two sample types also had a relatively high fraction of samples with adequate mass for reliable quantification. In 42 homes, PBDE levels measured in the same environmental media in the same home 1 year apart were statistically correlated (correlation coefficients: 0.57-0.90), with the exception of BDE209 which was not well correlated longitudinally.

Timing of reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in athletes and the incidence of secondary pathology within the knee.

We reviewed a single-surgeon series of 300 athletic patients who had undergone reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in order to establish the relationship between the timing of the reconstruction and the incidence of meniscal and chondral pathology. The patients were divided into five groups according to the time from their injury to surgery as follows: less than two months, two to six months, six to 12 months, 12 to 18 months and more than 18 months. The presence of meniscal tears was recorded and chondral pathology was scored according to the system of the French Society of Arthroscopy. There was a significantly higher chance of a medial meniscal tear occurring in patients undergoing reconstruction after one year from their injury (odds ratio (7.99, p = 0.004). The odds of having a lateral meniscal tear did not change significantly with an increasing interval to reconstruction. The chance of patients developing degenerative changes was found to be significantly higher in the groups operated on after six months from injury (odds ratio 4.04, p = 0.005). We advocate that patients with deficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament should be counselled that there is a significant relationship between the duration of the instability of their knee and the subsequent incidence of both chondral changes and meniscal tears. In order to minimise these risks, we recommend that reconstruction be performed within the first year from injury.

Three Tesla MRI for the diagnosis of meniscal and anterior cruciate ligament pathology: a comparison to arthroscopic findings.

AIM: To assess the accuracy of 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of meniscal and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one consecutive patients were identified who were referred for evaluation of suspected intra-articular pathology with a 3T MRI and who, subsequently, underwent an arthroscopic procedure of the knee were included for the study. Two musculoskeletal radiologists interpreted the images. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were then calculated for the MRI versus the arthroscopic findings as a reference standard. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity for the overall detection of meniscal tears in this study was 84 and 93%, respectively. The results for the medial meniscus separately were 91 and 93% and for the lateral 77 and 93%. The evaluation of ACL integrity was 100% sensitive and specific. The meniscal tear type was correctly identified in 75% of cases and its location in 94%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates good results of 3T MRI in the evaluation of the injured knee. Caution should still be given to the interpretation on MRI of a lateral meniscus tear, and it is suggested that the standard diagnostic criteria of high signal reaching the articular surface on two consecutive image sections be adhered to even at these higher field strengths.

Prevalence of abnormal adrenocortical function in human immunodeficiency virus infection by low-dose cosyntropin test.

Recent evidence suggests that 10 microg cosyntropin test has higher sensitivity for detecting hypothalamus-hypophysis-adrenal axis (HHA-A) dysfunction. Our objective was to determine prevalence of glucocorticoid insufficiency with the 10 microg cosyntropin test and the level of the HHA-A defect. One hundred and four HIV-infected patients underwent the 10 microg cosyntropin test. In abnormal and borderline respondents, insulin-induced hypoglycaemia test and human corticotropin releasing hormone test were used to confirm and localize the level of the HHA-A defect. Thirty-two patients with HIV infection and 72 with AIDS were identified. Prevalence of glucocorticoid insufficiency by the 10 microg cosyntropin test was 21.2%. By clinical categories, the frequency in AIDS and HIV infection patients was 26.4% and 9.4%, respectively. Confirmed glucocorticoid insufficiency by insulin-induced hypoglycaemia test was found in 16 out of 19 cases. Twelve cases had primary glucocorticoid insufficiency, 7 had secondary glucocorticoid insufficiency and 3 were false positive. In conclusion, adrenocortical dysfunction occurs in approximately 20% of the cases with HIV disease. Clinical findings commonly occurring in HIV disease as well as adrenocortical insufficiency are not reliable indicators for performing adrenocortical laboratory assessment. Our results suggest screening all AIDS patients with the 10 microg cosyntropin test.