Postgraduate medical journal
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Intradural spinal tumours, although relatively uncommon, can be diagnostically challenging, and often result in significant morbidity. They can be subdivided according to their cell of origin and whether they are within the cord (intramedullary) or intradural but extramedullary in location. The differential diagnosis for masses of the cauda equina region is often considered separately. ⋯ Although in many instances, a precise preoperative diagnosis is not possible as many of the imaging findings overlap, some features may strongly suggest one diagnosis over others. This article reviews the range of intradural spinal tumours in the adult and paediatric populations, with an emphasis on pertinent imaging characteristics. An approach is provided for distinguishing tumours from lesions that mimic tumours and for narrowing the differential diagnosis according to imaging findings.
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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with neuropsychiatric complaints. Previous studies have associated cognitive alterations with HCV infection but have often included confounding factors in their samples. This study compares the cognitive performance between patients with HCV infection (HCV patients) and a control group while excluding other factors that may cause cognitive impairment. ⋯ In this study using strict selection criteria, there was no evidence of an association between HCV infection and cognitive impairment.