Postgraduate medical journal
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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.
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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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Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensory motor neurological disorder that is characterised by an irresistible urge to move the legs that significantly affects the quality of life of the patient. Prevalence in the general population is 5-25% and it is twice as prevalent in women as in men. RLS is the most common movement disorder in pregnancy with a fourfold increased risk of developing this disorder later in life. ⋯ Medications with safety record in pregnancy include opioids and antiepileptics such as carbamazepine and gabapentin. There are concerns that patients with RLS are at risk for metabolic deregulation, autonomic dysfunction and cardiovascular morbidity. However, a recent study concluded that RLS is not associated with increased risk of cardiovascular complications.