Electrophysiological evaluation of visual pathways in paclitaxel-treated patients.

As paclitaxel may induce positive spontaneous visual symptoms or persistent visual loss, we carried out this electrophysiological study in an attempt to clarify the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of visual pathway involvement. The study involved 30 breast cancer patients: 14 were treated with paclitaxel alone (group A) and 16 with paclitaxel and adriamycin (group B). Pattern visual evoked potentials (VEPs), and transient, 30 Hz flicker (FLK) and oscillatory potential (OP) white flash electroretinograms (ERGs), were recorded before treatment, after the third and sixth therapeutic cycle, and at the end of the programmed regimen.

[Surgical techniques in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm].

In recent years we are observing an increasing number of authors. The surgical results, in the elective cases, are improved drammatically, and now, in many Centers, the mortality rate is less than 5%. We haven't observed the same improvements for the emergency cases.

[Peripheral neoplastic embolism. A rare pathology].

The paper reports case of tumour embolus which was brought to the Authors' attention. Proposals for treating for this rare pathology are outlined following a review of the literature.