[Kinematic deterministic chaos of fluids and fractal geometry in the carotid system].

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is a generalized vascular disorder which tends to be localized to specific arterial territories. At the bifurcation of the carotid artery there is a marked predisposition to form plaques of atheroma on the postero-external wall. This tendency is due to the kinematics of fluids and their particular morphological characteristics which are unique in the vascular system.

[The spectrum of prion pathology broadens: fatal familial insomnia].

Introduction: The small group of prion diseases, caused by accumulation in the brain of an abnormal protein characterized by its aggregation and relative resistance to proteases (the PrPSc) in man is comprised of Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJE), the Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, kuru and the newest addition which is fatal familial insomnia (FFI).

Development: FFI is a hereditary condition with dominant autosomal transmission, characterized clinically by progressive insomnia, dysautonomy, changes in the circadian rhythm of hormone secretion, motor signs and slight to moderate deterioration of cognition. The usual age of onset is between 40 and 60 years, and the course of the illness lasts between 7 and 18 months.

[Lateral sinus thrombosis in the first three months of pregnancy].

Thrombosis of the cerebral venous sinuses is characterized by clinical pleomorphism and variable pathogenesis. Although there is a relationship with pregnancy and especially with the puerperium, occurrence during the first trimester of pregnancy is unusual and this may effect the diagnosis and treatment. We describe the case of a 33 years-old patient with lateral sinus thrombosis in the first trimester of pregnancy.

[Segmental arteriographic anomalies in migranous cerebral infarct].

A migranous cerebral infarct (ICM) has the appearance of an ischaemic cerebral lesion which occurs during a migraine crisis and is shown by neuroimaging techniques to be in the corresponding vascular area. Four young patients are described. They fulfilled the clinical and neuroimaging criteria for compatibility with ICM and the protocol for the aetiological study of stroke was normal.