[A paradox: sarcoidosis in an HIV-positive patient].

Background: In view of the diminished number of CD4+ lymphocytes, the co-existence of an HIV infection and sarcoidosis seems paradoxical. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) may be observed in response to anti-retroviral therapy (ART). According to the conventional definition, this is caused by an overwhelming immune response to an already present or to a new agent.

Hybrid echo and x-ray image guidance for cardiac catheterization procedures by using a robotic arm: a feasibility study.

We present a feasibility study on hybrid echocardiography (echo) and x-ray image guidance for cardiac catheterization procedures. A self-tracked, remotely operated robotic arm with haptic feedback was developed that attached to a standard x-ray table. This was used to safely manipulate a three-dimensional (3D) trans-thoracic echo probe during simultaneous x-ray fluoroscopy and echo acquisitions.

Evaluation of a robotic arm for echocardiography to X-ray image registration during cardiac catheterization procedures.

We present an initial evaluation of a robotic arm for positioning a 3D echo probe during cardiac catheterization procedures. By tracking the robotic arm, X-ray table and X-ray C-arm, we are able to register the 3D echo images with live 2D X-ray images. In addition, we can also use tracking data from the robotic arm combined with system calibrations to create extended field of view 3D echo images.

[Rhabdomyolysis in a bodybuilder using steroids].

A 34-year-old bodybuilder presented at the emergency room with fever, vomiting and muscle cramps that had started during a bodybuilding session. Several days before he started training he had used tablets and intramuscular injections containing the anabolic steroids: dehydro-chloro-methyltestosterone, boldenone and trenbolone. In addition, he had taken clenbuterol tablets, liothyronine tablets and subcutaneous injections of phosphatidylcholine.