[How I explore… autism spectrum disorder in a child].

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental trouble characterized by deficits in communication and social interactions associated with restricted and repetitive behaviour, interests and activities. Given the heterogeneity of the disorder and the absence of biomarker, its diagnostic approach must be comprehensive and multidisciplinary, according to international classifications. The aetiology of ASDs remains mostly unknown and results from a multifactorial model.

Improving Outcome in Infantile Autism with Folate Receptor Autoimmunity and Nutritional Derangements: A Self-Controlled Trial.

Background: In contrast to multiple rare monogenetic abnormalities, a common biomarker among children with infantile autism and their parents is the discovery of serum autoantibodies directed to the folate receptor alpha (FR) localized at blood-brain and placental barriers, impairing physiologic folate transfer to the brain and fetus. Since outcome after behavioral intervention remains poor, a trial was designed to treat folate receptor alpha (FR) autoimmunity combined with correction of deficient nutrients due to abnormal feeding habits.

Methods: All participants with nonsyndromic infantile autism underwent a routine protocol measuring CBC, iron, vitamins, coenzyme Q10, metals, and trace elements.

[MR aortofemorography versus DSA: prospective evaluation].

Purpose: To determine how far MRA of lower limbs obviates the need for pre-therapeutic DSA.

Materials And Method: Three-step 3-D gadolinium enhanced aortofemorography with a moving bed was prospectively compared to DSA in 49 consecutive patients (40 males, 9 females; age range 38-80 years; mean age 64 years). According to Leriche and Fontaine's clinical gradation of lower limb ischemia, 5 patients were graded I, 37 graded II, 4 graded III, and 3 graded IV.

Percutaneous catheter drainage of abdominal abscess after abdominal surgery. Results in 121 cases.

One hundred and twenty-one peritoneal, retroperitoneal and pelvic abscesses were treated percutaneously using CT or US guidance. The lesions developed after abdominal surgery. Sixty-three abscesses (52%) were situated in the peritoneal cavity, 31 (26%) in the retroperitoneal cavity and 27 (22%) in the pelvis.