In order to observe the complement fixation test and immuno-diffusion test of paragonimiasis, the sera taken at 10 days intervals up to 150 days from cats infected with Paragonimus westermani were examined by the above two immunological methods. The resultant findings were as follows: The complement fixation test showed positive reaction 20 days after the infection with 20 metacercariae, and 40-50 days after the infection with 10 metacercariae. The highest titer was observed 110 days later following the acceleration at 80 days later. In immuno-diffusion test, one are appeared 30 days after the infection with 20 metacercariae, but 60 days after the infection with 10 metacercariae. However, more than two arcs were observed since 70 days after infection. A relatively wide band appeared by the antigens of Fresh worm material and Somatic material. But relatively clear precipitin lines were observed in the diffusion test with V.B.S. antigen, increasing to 3-4 arcs after 110days. In general, complement fixation test showed earlier and higher sensitive reaction than immuno-diffusion test, and was considered to be more valuable method forr immunological diagnosis.
parasitology-helminth-trematoda ; Paragonimus westermani ; immunology ; cat ; complement fixation test ; immuno-diffusion test

No abstract available.
Contrast Media* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging*

PURPOSE: To describe the MR features of intraspinal cysticercosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and MR images of four cases of intraspinal cysticercosis were retrospectively reviewed. The MR findings were described with regard to the location and signal intensity of the lesions, contrast enhancement, presence or absence of associated intracranial cysticerci, and other findings. RESULTS: There were three cases of subarachnoidal form and one case of intramedullary form. Cysticerci of subarachnoidal form in three cases were located in retromedullary space at C2 level, anterior to cord at C1 -C6 levels, and lumbosacral area, respectively. The signal intensities of the lesions were same as those of CSF. Localized arachnoidal enhancement was found in all three cases. In one case there was a large area of high signal intensity within the spinal cord on T2 weighted image suggesting either ischemia secondary to vascular compromise or inflammatory edema. All of these three cases accompanied intracranial cysticercosis. Intramedullary cysticercosis in one case was shown as a single I cm cystic lesion at C2 level, which showed hypointense signal on T1 weighted image, hyperintense signal on T2-weighted image, and signet-ring-like enhancement. This lesion did not accompany intracranial cysticerci. CONCLUSION: lntraspinal cysticercosis manifested as single or multiple cysts within either spinal cord or subarachnoid space, and were frequently associated with arachnoiditis.
Arachnoid ; Arachnoiditis ; Cysticercosis* ; Edema ; Ischemia ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Medical Records ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Cord ; Subarachnoid Space

No abstract available.
Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations* ; Risk Factors*

PURPOSE: We report the results of embolization in 42 cases of brain arteriovenous malformation and discuss the technical problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flow-guided microcatheter for the superselection of the feeding arteries and nbutyl cyanoacrylate as an embolic agent were used. Wire guided microcatheter and microparticle were used in two exceptional cases. As preembolization functional evaluation, 30--50mg of thiopental sodium solution was injected into the feeding arteries through superselected microcatheters in 40 cases with supratentorial lesions. RESULTS: There was no local arterial complication by injection of thiopental solution. Embolization caused a permanent neurologic deficit(mild to moderated hemiparesis) in 2 patients (4.8%) by a reflux of embolic agent or probable spasm of main arterial trunk. In 8 patients(19%), the AVMs were completely obliterated and 25 patients(60%) showed anglographic obliterations of 50--90% of the lesions. Embolization induced venous occlusion was demonstrated at post-embolization angiography in 6 patients, and 3 patients of them showed delayed and transient neurologic deficits. CONCLUSION: Embolization of cerebral AVM can be performed effectively and safely by a superselective method and appropriate functional evaluation. Superselective thiopental sodium injection is a safe and reliable test for the evaluation of local brain function before embolization.
Angiography ; Arteries ; Arteriovenous Malformations ; Brain* ; Cyanoacrylates ; Humans ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Spasm ; Thiopental

In spite of technical advances in neuroradiology, neuroanesthesiology, and microneurosurgery, the treatment of giant aneurysms remains problematic. Between 1983 and 1995, the authors encountered 42 consecutive cases of giant aneurysms, and this study focuses on their clinical manifestations, management, and outcome. The patients' ages ranged from 5 to 73 years, with peak incidence in the sixth decade ; the male to female ratio was 12 : 30. The follow-up period was from 2 to 110(mean, 36) months. The most common presenting symptom was a mass effect found in 22 patients(52%), followed by subarachnoid hemorrhage in 16(38%). Thirty patients underwent a surgical or interventional radiological procedure, comprising direct neck clipping(n=13), proximal clipping(n=7), detachable balloon occlusion(n=4), wrapping(n=3), trapping(n=1), and partial clipping with thrombectomy(n=2). The mortality rate was 16.7% and the morbidity rate, 40% ; the most common postoperative complication was distal cerebral infarction. At the last follow-up, 22 patients(73%) were able to perform daily activities without assistance. In this clinical study, the authors reviewed general aspects of the treatment of giant aneurysms. In conclusion, treatment of giant aneurysms should-for best results-be tailored to patients' individual requirements, determined after thorough examination. Despite advanced neurosurgical techniques, morbidity and mortality rates remain high.
Aneurysm* ; Cerebral Infarction ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Mortality ; Neck ; Postoperative Complications ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

No abstract available.
Craniocerebral Trauma* ; Head* ; Perfusion* ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon*

No abstract available.
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency* ; Iron*

No abstract available.
Meningitis, Cryptococcal*

Eczema herpeticum occurred in a patient with pemphigus foliaceus and esophageal cancer. The patient's initial skin lesions composed of large flaccid bullaes showed subcorneal bullae with typical acantholytic cells. Subsequent grouped small vesicles appeared widely on the erythematous base were diagnosed herpes simplex virus infection by Tzanck smear and histopathological findings. The patient died one week after the development of the widespread herpes virus infection.
Eczema* ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; Humans ; Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption* ; Pemphigus* ; Simplexvirus ; Skin