Przegla̧d lekarski
-
Presented is a case of pheochromocytoma with an ectopic or extrarenal localisation in a 47 year old female farmer. The patient was admitted to the 1st Chair and Clinic of Internal Disease, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum due to a three year history of hypertension. The bouts of hypertension were characterised by sudden increases of blood pressure to 250/150 mmHg, which occurred after physical exertion but particularly during the night. ⋯ Histopathology revealed a paraganglioma with an appearance of pheochromocytoma. On a three month follow up visit the patient was without symptoms. Her blood pressure and glycemia were normal despite being without treatment.
-
The abnormal closure of the neural tube results in defects of the nervous system development, which are referred to as dysraphism. Considering successive steps of the development of the human foetus, it can be estimated that spinal cord malformations arise from pathologies of early foetal development between 17th and 28th day gestational age. This time period comprises a development of the neural plate and subsequently neural tube. ⋯ Central canal pathologies constitute another form of spinal cord malformations presenting as hydromyelia. Abnormal closure of the neural tube may affect development of the vertebral column and spinal cord along their entire length or only at a certain portion. Malformations are seen most frequently in the lumbo-sacral and then cervical regions.
-
Principles of the population-based mammography screening for breast cancer have been presented. Methodology, results and limitations of this method have been discussed.
-
The objective of the study was to describe epidemiological and clinical data regarding acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in an urban area of North Italy. 95 consecutive adult patients admitted to Milan and Turin Poisons Control Centres (PCC) for CO poisoning between October 1993 and March 1995 were enrolled into the study. Epidemiological and medical parameters were recorded in a standardised collection data sheet, which included age, sex, circumstances of poisoning, severity grading (0-3), blood HbCO level upon admission. ⋯ Carbon monoxide exposure represents a significant cause of severe but potentially preventable accidental poisoning. The study indicates the need for public education campaigns aimed to warn people against the silent killer at home, and to promote preventive measures. The clinical course of CO poisoning is often severe. A standardised collection data system, to record all the cases of acute CO intoxication in Emergency Departments, can help evaluate the real incidence and clinical significance of this poisoning.
-
Dementia is found in a small percent of general population but remains a significant problem in the elderly population. Little is known whether prevention of dementia in the elderly is possible. Some evidence exists that both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's type dementia are related to cardiovascular disease risk factors. ⋯ Compared to men, women had lower education (higher than elementary education in 17% and 9% respectively), more frequent obesity (respectively 12% and 36%), hypertension (respectively 57% and 71%) and hyperlipoproteinemia (respectively 17% and 30%) but lower smoking rate (respectively 53% and 4%). Integration of neuropsychological testing and neuroimaging with the epidemiological approach to risk factors could contribute to better understanding of the mechanisms on which the disease affects the brain morphology and functions. The results of CASCADE and CASCADE Kraków projects will contribute also to the development of the strategies of medical care and management of the cognitive impairment in the elderly.