The effects of moderate-intensity gradient static magnetic fields on nerve conduction.

Whether exposure to static magnetic fields (SMF) for medical applications poses a therapeutic benefit or a health hazard is at the focus of current debate. As a peripheral nerve model for studies of the SMF effects, we have investigated whether exposure of in vitro frog sciatic nerve fibers to moderate-intensity gradient SMF up to 0.7 T modulates membrane excitation and refractory processes.

Association of aortic arch anomalies and subclavian artery supply disruption with neurofibromatosis.

We report an 8-year-old Japanese girl with von Recklinghausen disease, who presented with aortic arch anomalies and left hemilateral oculo-otolaryngeal abnormalities including strabismus, blepharoptosis, a dysplastic external ear and hearing loss. The aortic arch anomalies including subclavian artery obstruction that appeared to be a consequence of the neurofibromatosis, and the hemilateral oculo-otolaryngeal abnormalities could be explained by disruption of the subclavian artery supply during embryogenesis.

Coronary artery obstruction due to membranous ridge of the right sinus valsalva associated with Tetralogy of Fallot: syncope mimics anoxic spell.

We report an infant with Tetralogy of Fallot who had suffered from repetitive attacks of syncope without obvious cyanosis. Careful observation by means of echocardiography and angiography revealed that the attacks resulted from acute coronary artery obstruction due to membranous ridge covering the sinus Valsalva. Surgical resection of the abnormal ridge and repair of Tetralogy of Fallot successfully improved the patient's symptoms.