Plasma Osteopontin Reflects Tissue Damage in Acute Pancreatitis.

Several scoring systems for clinical prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) have been proposed. Yet, there is still a need for an easy-to-measure biomarker. Osteopontin (OPN) may be released to the circulation early during tissue injury, but the significance of OPN in AP has not yet been established.

Chiari type II malformation: a case report and review of literature.

Introduction: Herniation of cerebellar vermis through the foramen magnum, internal hydrocephaly and spina bifida cystica are the major signs of Chiari type II malformation. Spina bifida cystica (1 in 2000 neonates) is very often the first clinical manifestation of the disease.

Aim: To discuss the pathomorphology, clinical picture and possible treatment of this underestimated malformation.