Irish journal of medical science
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Ankle arthroscopy has grown in popularity over the past decade as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. We assessed 24 patients who underwent ankle arthroscopy during the two year period 1991-1993. In 18 cases a mini-arthrotomy was performed based on the arthroscopic findings. ⋯ There were no neurovascular complications. This series represents an initial experience and illustrates that ankle arthroscopy provides a safe and effective method of diagnosis and treatment with few complications. Further advances in instrumentation and distraction techniques will reduce the need for open arthrotomy and should expand the indications for the procedure.
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Ninety-three consecutive treadmill exercise stress test were performed for the assessment of peripheral vascular function. Thirty-one were for atypical claudication-like symptoms including pain on standing, relief on sitting and back pain. Pedal pulses were palpable in 24 patients. ⋯ Of the original 31 patients with atypical symptoms, spinal stenosis was present in 13 (42%). Atypia- in the common syndrome of intermittent claudication should alert the surgeon to the possibility of spinal canal disorders. Further investigation may identify significant pathology spinal stenosis in particular.
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Review Case Reports
Primary aldosteronism in pregnancy--should it be treated surgically?
We report a case of primary aldosteronism in pregnancy that was treated surgically by removal of the adenoma in the 2nd trimester. Only a few cases have been reported in the English literature due to the rarity of the condition. Primary aldosteronism follows a variable course in pregnancy. ⋯ Primary aldosteronism invariably gets worse in the post partum period, irrespective of the antenatal course of the disease. Surgery seems to be the treatment of choice for this condition, provided the adenoma is localised. It has the advantage of offering an immediate solution, avoids fetal complications of medical treatment and possible deterioration in the post partum period.