Multiple myeloma and bullous lichenoid lesions: an unusual association.

Many associations of lichenoid reactions have been described but this case appears to be a previously unreported association--with multiple myeloma. This case also demonstrates the necessity of a mucosal biopsy with adequate hematologic and serologic investigations to obtain a definitive diagnosis.

Oral albendazole for the treatment of cutaneous larva migrans.

Cutaneous larva migrans is becoming more common in the U.K. with the popularity of tropical countries as holiday destinations. We describe the increasing use of a new benzimidazole derivative, albendazole, which is very effective in the treatment of cutaneous larva migrans. In contrast to thiabendazole, it is virtually free from side-effects and should, we feel, become the treatment of choice for this condition.

Exfoliative dermatitis due to nifedipine.

We report the case of a 63-year-old Caucasian female, with reno-vascular hypertension, who developed a generalized skin eruption with lichenoid histological features, induced by nifedipine. A repeat challenge with nifedipine confirmed that it was the causative agent.

Four-dimensional chemical shift MR imaging of phosphorus metabolites of normal and diseased human liver.

Four dimensional chemical shift imaging was used to map the relative peak heights of phosphorus metabolites of the liver and overlying skeletal muscle of a normal subject and two patients. The technique provides 31P spectra localised on a voxel-by-voxel basis and may be valuable in mapping heterogeneous structural and metabolic changes in disease.

Some observations of the design of rf coils for human internal use.

Some features of the design and implementation of NMR probes for insertion into peripheral orifices of the body are described. In particular, the possibilities of using parasitic coils without direct connections in conjunction with conventional whole body coils are examined. The use of windings around the NMR probe carrying gradient pulses as a means of eliminating the very high signals from tissue immediately adjacent to the coil windings is also evaluated. These approaches are, in practice, difficult to combine, and hence need to be viewed almost as alternative possibilities. Practical results of experimental investigations are presented using both phantoms and volunteers.

Surgical treatment of painful lichen planus of the hand and foot.

Lichen planus of the hands and feet, although uncommon, can be very disabling with painful hypertrophic areas or ulcers, mainly of palmar and plantar surfaces. These lesions may not respond to conventional medical treatment. A case of surgical treatment with excision and split skin grafting of ulcerative lichen planus of the soles, with a fourteen year follow up, is reported. Only three other reported cases with a longer review period could be found. A second patient is described in which excision and grafting of painful, hypertrophic, ulcerative lichen planus of the hands achieved a satisfactory long term outcome. No other examples could be found in the English literature. It is suggested that surgical treatment should be considered more often and sooner in painful lichen planus of the hands and feet.

Milk recorder dermatitis.

Occupational contact dermatitis to Bronopol and Kathon CG has been identified in 3 milk recorders following the introduction of a new milk preservative. The source of exposure, sensitising potential and measures for prevention are discussed.

Use of closely coupled receiver coils in MR imaging: practical aspects.

The use of closely coupled receiver coils in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain and body is described. Design considerations are outlined, aspects of the choice of materials are discussed, and clinical applications are illustrated. Closely coupled receiver coils can provide a useful improvement in MR image quality.