Risk factors predisposing to congenital heart defects.

Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with multiple risk factors, consanguinity may be one such significant factor. The role of consanguinity in the etiology of CHD is supported by inbreeding studies, which demonstrate an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance of some congenital heart defects. This study was done to find out the risk factors for CHD.

Identification of antiplatelet and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory constituents in betel nut.

Objective: To investigate the possible mechanism and the compound(s) responsible for the antiplatelet and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effects of Areca catechu crude extract (Ac.Cr).

Methods: Aqueous-methanol (70%) was used for extraction of plant material (betel nut).

Pontine haemorrhage due to chondrosarcoma of the skull base.

A young adult presented with acute weakness of right side of body and slurring of speech. An initial brain CT scan showed a pontine haemorrhage, however MRI done a few days later revealed a mass in the left parapharyngeal space. Histopathology of the mass revealed that it was a chondrosarcoma.