Relation of early menarche to depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and comorbid psychopathology among adolescent girls.

This prospective study tested whether early menarche partially accounts for the increases in depression, eating pathology, substance abuse, and comorbid psychopathology that occur among adolescent girls, with structured interview data from a community sample (N?=?496). Early menarche (prior to 11.6 years) was associated with elevated depression, substance abuse, and "any" disorder but did not confer increased risk for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. Although there was significant comorbidity across all three classes of pathology, early menarche was associated only with comorbid depression and substance abuse. Results provide partial support for the assertion that early menarche is a general risk factor for psychopathology among adolescent girls but suggest that this risk may not apply to certain disorders and that the effects are modest in size. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Teeth, vomiting and diet: a study of the dental characteristics of seventeen anorexia nervosa patients

Seventeen anorexia nervosa patients were examined dentally and their dietary histories and eating habits studied. Analysis of the data confirmed earlier observations dental deterioration associated with anorexia nervosa. The deterioration included a pattern of enamel dissolution in cases of vomiting, regurgitation, and/or the consumption of large amounts of citrus fruits; and an altered caries response due to abnormal carbohydrate consumption. Despite the patient's probably insistent denial of 'anorectic' eating habits, the general practitioner should consider the existence of anorexia nervosa in the presence of such abnormal features, especially in young women. The relationship of these findings to larger populations with similar eating habits is discussed.     

Meningoencephalitis and brain abscessation due to Escherichia coli in a 2 week old alpaca cria

An alpaca cria which received insufficient colostrum, presented with lethargy, anorexia, no passage of faeces and neurological signs. Differential diagnosis included neonatal septicaemia, meningitis and gastrointestinal obstruction. The cria died despite treatment. Necropsy revealed brain abscesses with Escherichia Coli in pure culture. The importance of the amount and timing of colostrum intake is discussed.     

Patterns and predictors of recovery in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the course and outcome of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa at 1 year in a large cohort of women with eating disorders. METHOD: A prospective, naturalistic, longitudinal design was used to map the course of 225 women with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and mixed anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Structured interviews were conducted quarterly. Follow-up data are presented in terms of patterns of recovery, clinical features predictive of time to recovery, and the role of comorbid disorders as fixed predictors. RESULTS: The recovery rate of bulimics was significantly better than that of anorexic or mixed subjects, yet nearly half the anorexic and mixed subjects no longer met full DSM-III-R criteria for at least 8 consecutive weeks during the first year of follow-up. Percent ideal body weight and type of eating disorder were significantly associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa has severe implications.     

Thymoma in a Royal Air Force pilot--an unusual cause of chest pain

The case history of a pilot with an anterior mediastinal tumor is described. Histology showed this to be a lymphocytic thymoma. An associated peripheral T-cell lymphocytosis was present; total white cell count (WCC) was elevated for 7 years prior to diagnosis and continued for 2 years post-resection. This has not been previously described in association with a cytologically benign non-invasive thymoma. The pathology of thymomas and the implications in this case are discussed.     

Renal masses with unusual angiographic appearances

Despite modern methods in evaluating renal masses a small percentage of cases remain elusive to preoperative diagnosis. The authors discuss ten renal masses with heterogeneous pathology seen at their service within the last two years. An outline of the difficulties in arriving at a correct preoperative diagnosis is discussed. The clinical findings and pathology encountered are evaluated.     

Anorexic humans and rats.

Based on an article by S. Schachter (see record 1971-24450-001) that draws parallel findings for obese humans and rats, a case is made for the parallel features of humans with anorexia nervosa and rats made aphagic through destruction of the lateral hypothalamus (LTH). The etiology of anorexia nervosa may in part be a function of pathology, either functional or structural, in the LTH. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An unknown etiology of fetal ascites: acute intestinal intussusception

BACKGROUND: Intussusception is a frequent diagnosis during the first year of life. However, it is an uncommon and very rare pathology in neonates and premature infants. CASE REPORTS: Two full term neonates presented an antenatal intussusception associated with fetal ascites; another premature infant developed an intussusception at the age of 15 days. In the three cases the diagnosis of intussusception had only been established during the laparotomy. A recent review of the literature revealed 13 cases of antenatal intussusception, one of these being associated with fetal ascites. CONCLUSION: The differential diagnosis of fetal ascites should always include intussusception. Early recognition of this pathology and prompt surgical action would avoid fatalities.     

Studies of cholesterol and bile acid metabolism, and early atherogenesis in hamsters fed GT16-239, a novel bile acid sequestrant (BAS)

Common feedlot diseases are discussed with emphasis on pathology and diagnosis. Differential lesions are discussed. Diseases are categorized by body systems.     

Family pathology and anorexia in the Indian context

Frequent associations have been found between family interaction and anorectic behaviour. Family theorists have viewed anorexia as a manifestation of a dysfunctional family system. We report three families of cases of anorexia (one male and two female) where the symptom was a reflection of family pathology and was being maintained by it. The cases emphasize the need to assess families of anorectics in detail and view them in the cultural context of eating.     

Sociologic study of food habits--a review. II. Differentiation, accessibility and solidarity

Syncope precipitated by sneezing in an adult male associated with an Arnold-Chiari type I malformation and basilar invagination presents a clinical problem in the differential diagnosis and pathological anatomy of Valsalva-related syncope. An abnormally acute clivoaxial angle, small foramen magnum, and type I Arnold-Chiari malformation appear to be a combination of features intolerant of Valsalva-induced changes in cerebral volume, brain-stem position, CSF fluid dynamics, or blood vessel relationships. Proposed mechanisms of pressure transmission to the area of intracranial pathology are discussed.     

Imported hepatozoonosis in the dog: 3 cases

Canine hepatozoonosis is presented with 3 cases. The most common signs are: fever, anorexia, weight loss, diarrhea and vomiting, muscle weakness, lymphadenopathy, anemia and purulent discharge from the nose and the eyes. Because an infection with H. canis in the dog is often associated with other infectious diseases such as leishmaniasis, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, the clinical picture may be dominated by these diseases. The diagnosis is made with the typical inclusions in neutrophilic granulocytes and monocytes. Only short remissions may be obtained with the presently available medications.     

Anorexia nervosa in children: a follow-up study

Thirty children seen between 1954 and 1970 with the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa were contacted between five and twenty years after initial treatment. Patients outcomes in terms of education, weight in adulthood, medical problems, marriage, psychiatric treatment, and recurrence of anorexia were surveyed. Results corroborate those of earlier studies suggesting that adjustment in adulthood is related to personality type.     

Gastric trichobezoar in a banner-tailed kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spectabilis)

A male, wild-caught kangaroo rat developed anorexia and wasting. The animal was euthanized and a gastric trichobezoar found at necropsy. The paucity of information regarding the clinical medicine of this species is a hindrance to those charged with the care of kangaroo rats. Gastric trichobezoar should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of anorexia in kangaroo rats.     

Effect of oxatomide on experimental allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs

Most psychologic and social theories of anorexia focus on the developmental pressures that challenge adolescent girls. Pregnancy, which causes profound physical, emotional, and cognitive changes, could represent an amplification of these developmental pressures. In this case study, pregnancy is suggested as a possible contributor to the development of anorexia in a 17-year-old female. Although she has other factors associated with the development of anorexia, the psychological and physical changes of pregnancy appear to be the crucial changes which precipitated anorexia nervosa.     

Isolated ACTH deficiency

The isolated ACTH deficiency is a scarcely diagnosed disease of heterogeneous nature. Two patients with isolated deficiency of ACTH in whom the initial diagnosis was of primary suprarrenal failure are reported. In the first case this diagnosis was performed after hospital admission for deterioration of the level of consciousness and the development of an acute suprarrenal crisis in the course of nosocomial pneumonia. In the second case the clinical manifestations began as weakness, anorexia, weight loss and lymphocytosis with eosinophilia. In both patients an increase in the thyrotropic hormone was detected leading to suspicion of the existence of associated primary hypothyroidism. Finally, several studies were carried out (basal measurements of cortisol and ACTH, stimulation with continual perfusion of ACTH, insulinic hypoglycemia, global study of adenohypophysary function, ACTH CRF release factor test, computerized tomography of the pituitary region) in both patients leading to the definitive diagnosis of isolated ACTH deficiency of idiopathic cause of possible pituitary origin without the existence of other associated hormonal deficiencies.     

Congenital esophageal stenosis

Congenital esophageal stenosis caused by membranous webs occurred in three infants. There were no associated anomalies. First patient applied with respiratory symptoms while the second and third patients reported food impactions. Correct diagnosis was performed during intraoperative (first patient) and esophagoscopic examination (second and third patients). Resection and anastomosis were performed in the first patient and hydrostatic dilatations in the second and third patients. In three patients, symptoms were relieved following treatment. In this report, etiology, diagnostic aids and management of this rare pathology are discussed.     

Gastric disorders and nutritional management

Anorexia is a common problem in HIV infection and occurs via several mechanisms, including local pathology in the oral cavity or esophagus, central nervous system disease affecting eating mechanics or the perception of hunger, or secondary anorexia due to systemic infections, malabsorption, or medications, or to nonmedical factors, such as psychosocial problems, poverty, and isolation. The etiologic diagnosis of disorders of food intake is facilitated by using a diagnostic algorithm. The consideration of nutritional management centers around the body's nutritional reserves in addition to caloric intake. The specific management of a patient with poor food intake is based on the precise cause of the problem, and may include food-based and oral supplement therapies, appetite stimulants, or nonvolitional feeding via the enteral or parenteral route. Anabolic agents, cytokine inhibitors, and other therapies, such as resistance exercise, are adjunctive therapies, and do not replace adequate caloric intake.     

Behavioural effects of a new non-phenylethylamine anorexigenic agent: mazindol

Mazindol, a new anorexigenic agent which possesses a different chemical structure from phenylethylamine derivatives such as amphetamine, causes anorexia along with increases in locomotor activity and body temperature. Mazindol also induces stereotyped behaviour and, if injected into rats with unilateral nigro-striatal lesions, causes turning towards the lesioned side. Mazindol-induced anorexia is antagonized by pretreatment with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine or pimozide. Pimozide pretreatment prevents the rotation induced by Mazindol in rats with unilateral nigro-striatal lesions. The involvement of dopamine in the mechanism whereby Mazindol elicits anorexia and turning behaviour is discussed.     

Peritoneal benign polycystic mesothelioma

BACKGROUND: Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM) is an uncommon condition. CASE REPORT: We observed a typical case of BMPM occurring in a 57-year-old man who presented with a painful mass of the lower right quadrant. The pathology using immunostaining gave the diagnosis. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of BMPM can be suspected on the basis of imaging findings, but is usually confirmed by pathology. The only treatment for BMPM is surgical resection. Prognosis is good despite frequent recurrences. Two main hypotheses based on etiopathology can be discussed: does BMPM consist of a mesothelioma proliferative and reactional lesion or is it a real mesothelioma tumor?