Cardiac imaging: Part 1, MR pulse sequences, imaging planes, and basic anatomy.

OBJECTIVE: MRI is a well-established modality for evaluating congenital and acquired cardiac diseases. This article reviews the latest pulse sequences used for cardiac MRI. In addition, the standard cardiac imaging planes and corresponding anatomy are described and illustrated. CONCLUSION: Familiarity with the basic pulse sequences, imaging planes, and anatomy pertaining to cardiac MRI is essential to formulate optimal protocols and interpretations.

Anti-nociceptive and anti-allodynic effects of a high affinity NOP hexapeptide [Ac-RY(3-Cl)YRWR-NH2] (Syn 1020) in rodents.

There has been a flurry of activity to develop agonists and antagonists for the member of the opioid receptor family, NOP receptor (also known as ORL1), in part to understand its role in pain. Modifications of a hexapeptide originally identified from a combinatorial library have led to the discovery of a high affinity hexapeptide agonist Ac-RY(3-Cl)YRWR-NH2 (Syn 1020). In the following experiments we characterized the anti-nociceptive effects of Syn 1020 in the tail-flick model of acute pain and the diabetic neuropathy model of chronic pain in mice and rats, respectively. Acute antinociception was assessed using the tail-flick assay in mice in which animals received intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of Syn 1020 alone or with morphine and were tested for tail-flick latencies. In the chronic pain model, diabetic neuropathy was induced by injections of streptozotocin in rats. Tactile allodynia was measured, with von Frey hair filaments, following intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of Syn 1020 or gabapentin (positive control). In mice, i.c.v. injections of Syn 1020 did not have any pro- or anti-nociceptive effects, however, Syn 1020 reversed morphine antinociception with a similar potency as N/OFQ (the natural ligand to NOP). S.c. injections of Syn 1020 in mice also produced analgesic effects. In rats, i.p, injections of Syn 1020 produced anti-allodynic effects. Thus, Syn 1020, a NOP receptor directed peptide, administered systemically has anti-nociceptive activity in both acute and chronic pain models in mice and rats respectively.

Differential diagnosis of the swollen red eyelid.

The differential diagnosis of eyelid erythema and edema is broad, ranging from benign, self-limiting dermatoses to malignant tumors and vision-threatening infections. A definitive diagnosis usually can be made on physical examination of the eyelid and a careful evaluation of symptoms and exposures. The finding of a swollen red eyelid often signals cellulitis. Orbital cellulitis is a severe infection presenting with proptosis and ophthalmoplegia; it requires hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics to prevent vision loss. Less serious conditions, such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and blepharitis, are more common causes of eyelid erythema and edema. These less serious conditions can often be managed with topical corticosteroids and proper eyelid hygiene. They are differentiated on the basis of such clinical clues as time course, presence or absence of irritative symptoms, scaling, and other skin findings. Discrete lid lesions are also important diagnostic indicators. The finding of vesicles, erosions, or crusting may signal a herpes infection. Benign, self-limited eyelid nodules such as hordeola and chalazia often respond to warm compresses, whereas malignancies require surgical excision.