A single photon emission computed tomography study of cerebral regional perfusion changes induced by a learning task in subjects with mild memory impairment.

Fifteen nondemented subjects with memory complaints underwent serial single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies with technetium-99m-d, l-hexamethyl-propylene amine oxime (HMPAO) as tracer. Scans were carried out under a baseline conditions and during the learning phase of the Memory Efficiency Profile (MEP), a combined visual perception and memory task developed by Rey. Results indicate a positive correlation between activation, as indexed by HMPAO uptake, and neuropsychological assessment. Right temporal activation was correlated with MEP immediate recall. The right cerebellum was correlated with both MEP immediate and delayed recall. This study suggests that SPECT can show cortical activation during cognitive performance in subjects with mild memory impairment.

Male breast cancer: report of 2 cases and review of the literature.

Male breast cancer is rare and accounts for 1% of all breast cancers. The authors report two cases of male breast cancer at Stage III and review the literature. A Madden mastectomy with axillary clearance was performed. Patients were given adjuvant chemotherapy and started on tamoxifen. At one year follow-up the patients are alive and free from disease. Modified radical mastectomy is the preferred surgical approach for localized disease. Adjuvant hormonal therapy with tamoxifen is recommended as first-line treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy has a role in node-positive cancer and locally advanced disease. Men should be made more aware of the disease and multicentric clinical trials encouraged to ensure an appropriate treatment on the basis of prospectively collected data.