Scintigraphy versus manometry in patients with suspected biliary sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

Introduction: Sphincter of Oddi (SO) manometry is at present the "gold standard" investigation for patients with suspected biliary SO dysfunction. Non-invasive scintigraphy in cholecystectomised patients using a complex scoring system or the transit time from the hepatic hilum to the duodenum (HDTT) have been promoted as sensitive and specific alternatives.

Aim: To evaluate the scintigraphic scoring system and HDTT in patients with suspected biliary SO dysfunction undergoing SO manometry.

Pulmonary manifestations of uncomplicated falciparum and vivax malaria: cough, small airways obstruction, impaired gas transfer, and increased pulmonary phagocytic activity.

Despite recognition of acute respiratory distress syndrome in both falciparum and vivax malaria, disease-related changes in pulmonary function have not been defined, and underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, pulmonary phagocytic cell activity, and longitudinal changes were examined in 26 adults with uncomplicated falciparum, vivax, and ovale malaria after treatment. Self-limiting cough occurred in both falciparum (36%) and vivax or ovale (53%) malaria.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: antenatal diagnosis.

The Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is an unusual complex with variable features. The major findings include abdominal wall defects, macroglossia and visceromegaly. These features should be amenable to antenatal ultrasound detection.