Dtsch Arztebl Int
-
Review
Radon in indoor spaces: an underestimated risk factor for lung cancer in environmental medicine.
Occupational medicine has long recognized radon to be a cause of lung cancer, especially among miners working under ground. Until recently, however, little scientific evidence was available about the risk to the general population caused by indoor radon. ⋯ From the point of view of preventive environmental medicine, it is important to identify buildings with high radon concentrations, initiate appropriate measures, and minimize radon exposure, particularly in new buildings.
-
There are many unresolved issues in the diagnosis and treatment of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in its post-acute and chronic phases. This article deals with two problems of clinical importance: (i) the interrelationships between structural brain damage, brain function, and clinical outcome, and (ii) post-traumatic epilepsy. ⋯ A comparison of the findings of neuroradiological studies and neuropsychological tests among patients in the chronic phase of traumatic brain injury does not reveal any simple relationship between structural and functional brain abnormalities. Diffuse axonal injury is often present in combination with other findings, and it may well be the only structural abnormality in many cases; therefore, all symptomatic patients should undergo MRI of the brain. Patients with isolated DAI seem to be less prone to post-traumatic epilepsy than those with brain contusions.
-
Zoonoses were already a subject of intense interest even before the SARS and avian influenza epidemics arose. For many years, chlamydiae have been hypothesized to be important zoonotic pathogens, because of their wide distribution and their infectious cycle. This article provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on this subject. ⋯ There is a considerable need for research on chlamydial infections, especially with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of persistent varieties.
-
Isolated non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) was first described in 1984. This disorder, a primary genetic cardiomyopathy, is now attracting increased attention. ⋯ NCCM is a type of cardiomyopathy that was first described 25 years ago. Its molecular genetic basis is not yet fully clear, and the same is true of its diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Further study of these matters is needed.