Inoculation site leprosy in a tattoo as a paradoxical reaction following tuberculosis treatment.

We present a patient who developed inoculation site leprosy in a tattoo, which was confirmed by Mycobacterium leprae DNA sequencing of a polymerase chain reaction product from a skin biopsy. His leprosy became manifest as a paradoxical reaction only after 8 weeks of treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis.

A deceiving wheeze.

'Wheeze' is a common symptom in both paediatric and adult populations. Unexplained wheeze is concerning and warrants investigation. We present a case of a young girl with childhood asthma suffering with 'persistent wheeze'. This was explained by the presence of a dual aortic arch which only became apparent during her teenage years. This report serves as a reminder to all clinicians that "not all that wheezes is asthma".

Cystic fibrosis, common variable immunodeficiency and Aspergers syndrome: an immunological and behavioural challenge.

INTRODUCTION: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is of particular importance in Ireland as the Irish population has both the highest incidence (2.98/10,000) and the highest carrier rate (1 in 19) in the world. Primary immunodeficiency has not been previously reported as co-existing with CF. CASE REPORT: We report a unique case of CF associated with a primary immunodeficiency syndrome--common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). DISCUSSION: Our patient has CF, CVID and the additional comorbidity of Aspergers syndrome. The challenges inherent in diagnosing and treating such a case are outlined herein and the successful management of this case is evidenced by the well-preserved lung function of our patient.

Male fertility in cystic fibrosis.

Infertility rates among males with cystic fibrosis (CF) approximate 97%. No information is currently available within Ireland determining an understanding of fertility issues and the best methods of information provision to this specialized group. This study aimed to determine understanding and preferred approaches to information provision on fertility issues to Irish CF males. A Descriptive Study utilizing prospective coded questionnaires was mailed to a male CF cohort (n=50). Sections included demographics, fertility knowledge & investigation. Response rate was 16/50 (32%). All were aware that CF affected their fertility. More than two-thirds (n=11) were able to provide explanations whilst only one-third (n=5) provided the correct explanation. Significant numbers stated thoughts of marriage and a future family. Half have discussed fertility with a healthcare professional (HCP). Mean age of discussion was 21.9 years. One third preferred an earlier discussion. The commonest first source for information was written material which was also the preferred source. Three-quarters requested further information preferring again, written material. Significant gaps in sex education of Irish CF males exist. Discussion should be initiated by HCPs and centre-directed written material devised to address deficiencies.

Pharmacokinetics and haemodynamic effects of tocainide in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by left ventricular failure.

The pharmacokinetics and haemodynamic effects of tocainide, an orally active structural analogue of lignocaine, were studied in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by left ventricular failure. Fourteen patients (mean age 65 years) with acute myocardial infarction complicated by mild left ventricular failure were studied, following a single dose of tocainide (250 mg) by intravenous infusion, over 30 min. Heart rate, systemic arterial pressure, pulmonary artery pressure and cardiac output were monitored. Plasma tocainide levels were estimated by gas chromatography. The mean plasma level of tocainide achieved was 2.95 micrograms/ml (15.37 mmol/l). The mean plasma half-life was 15.6 h. The mean cardiac index was reduced 5 min after completion of the infusion, from 2.24 1 min-1 m-2 (+/- 0.40) to 2.07 1 min-1 m-2 (+/- 0.29) (P less than 0.01). At 90 min the cardiac index had returned to pre-treatment levels. Small changes were seen in the heart rate, arterial blood pressure and the pulmonary artery pressure but these changes were not statistically significant. The pharmacokinetics of tocainide were not significantly altered in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by mild left ventricular failure.