Aneurysms of splanchnic arteries

Aneurysms of splanchnic arteries represent an uncommon but important vascular disease, which many times presents itself as clinical emergency and often results in death. 11 patients with splanchnic aneurysms were treated in our Department during the last 15 years. These aneurysms were located in 5 cases in splenic artery, 4 cases in hepatic artery, 1 case in celiac axis and 1 case in right gastroepiploic artery. Surgical treatment of these aneurysms was successful in all but one patient (he died from rupture of a hepatic artery aneurysm). Giving an overall mortality similar to that reported in the literature. The treatment of these aneurysms is discussed, while literature about this uncommon disease is reviewed.     

Sexual attitudes and behavior among students in Uganda

A study was conducted of sexual attitudes and behavior among students in secondary schools in Uganda. Surveys were undertaken during June-August, 1970 and 1971, in 7 schools near Kampala. These students are exposed to the following nonindigenous factors: Christianity, formal education, urbanism, and Western materialism. The survey indicates that all change has not been in the direction from traditional to modern, although there is a permissive trend among the students that differs from their restrictive cultural background. Traditional attitudes and behaviors regarding the sex act and acceptance of premarital children remain. Acceptance of premarital sex and abortion are departures from traditional views. Premarital parenthood is still preferred to abortion. Males particularly still support traditional sexual practices. In general, females were less liberal in their views than males; differences between the groups tend to disappear as age and educational level rise. Sex education, gynecological counseling, and contraceptive advice are needed among these students.     

Red blood cell catechol O-methyl transferase and response to imipramine in unipolar depressive women

When baseline red blood cell catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) was measured in 15 unipolar depressive women, the authors found a linear correlation between COMT and response to imipramine (best outcome occurring at low COMT). The results of this study were not related to such variables as intensity of depression, family history, or psychiatric history. The authors suggest that this assay may be useful either as a predictor of response to the drug or as a guide in choosing the optimum dose.     

Anticonvulsant activity of enzyme inhibitors in rats

Three liver microsomal enzyme inhibitors, proadifen, 2,4-dichloro-6-phenylphenoxyethyldiethylamine, and 2,4-dichloro-6-phenylphenoxyethylamine, and a hepatotoxic agent, carbon tetrachloride, were tested for anticonvulsant activity in adult male albino rats using the maximal electroshock seizure technique. All four substances exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity 1 hr after intraperitoneal administration. This protection was absent when tested 24 hr later.     

Radiology in primary hyperaldosteronism

Autonomous hypersecretion of aldosterone (primary hyperaldosteronism) is caused by either hyperplasia (usually bilateral) or an adenoma (frequently unilateral) of the adrenal cortex. Systemic hypertension due to an aldosteronoma is a potentially curable condition through surgical extirpation of the offending organ. In our experience with 37 patients clinically suspected to have primary hyperaldosteronism, radiological methods contributed significantly in preoperative diagnosis. These included (1) selective bilateral adrenal vein catheterization and blood sample collection, (2) adrenal venography, and (3) radioisotope adrenal scan. Unilateral hyperfunction could be accurately detected by the aldosterone assays from the collected samples. When adrenal venography was technically satisfactory, a nodule or aggregate of nodules measuring at least 7 mm and located on the margin of the gland or 1.5 cm or more in diameter when located in the center of the gland were readily identified. Enlarged adrenal gland on venography, in itself, was not a dependable index of a hyperfunctioning gland. Presence of a higher uptake on one side on the radioisotope adrenal scan did not always indicate the hyperfunctioning gland, but lack of lateralization of adrenal hyperfunction was more accurately predicted on the radioisotope scan than by venography. Four histopathological patterns were recognized in the surgically removed adrenal glands, but no correlation between these patterns and clinical behavior or postoperative course was found.