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Specific Clinical Features (specific + clinical_feature)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

1241: Failure of pattern recognition

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010
V PURVIN
Purpose This course focuses on areas of frequent diagnostic confusion in neuro-ophthalmic diagnosis. Methods The course uses a case-based format. Cases are presented as unknowns, each illustrating the specific clinical feature or features that should point to the correct diagnosis. Results We hope that highlighting common errors in this way will help inspire the clinician to master the material so that such "pitfalls" can be avoided. Conclusion The common theme among the cases is that most neuro-ophthalmic diagnoses derive from the history and careful examination rather than the results of ancillary testing. [source]

1242: Over-reliance on negative test results

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010
V PURVIN
Purpose This course focuses on areas of frequent diagnostic confusion in the field of neuro-ophthalmology. Methods The course uses a case-based method. Cases are presented as unknowns, each illustrating the specific clinical feature or features that should point to the correct diagnosis. Results Certain tests may provide misleading information, apparently "ruling out" a particular disorder, when in fact that is the correct diagnosis. Examples include serologic tests for ocular myasthenia, falsely negative temporal artery biopsy for giant cell arteritis and MRI scans in certain some disorders. Conclusion In order to interpret the results of ancillary testing we must know the clinical features of the disease in question and the limitations of the tests we use. [source]

EFNS guideline on diagnosis and management of limb girdle muscular dystrophies

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 12 2007
F. Norwood
The limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are termed as such as they share the characteristic feature of muscle weakness predominantly affecting the shoulder and pelvic girdles; their classification has been completely revised in recent years because of elucidation of many of the underlying genetic and protein alterations in the various subtypes. An array of diagnostic measures is possible but with varying ease of use and availability. Several aspects of muscle cell function appear to be involved in the causation of muscle pathology. These cellular variations may confer some specific clinical features thus permitting recognition of the LGMD subtype and hence directing appropriate levels of monitoring and intervention. Despite an extensive literature on the individual limb girdle dystrophies, these publications may be impenetrable for the general neurologist in this increasingly complex field. The proposed guidelines suggest an approach to the diagnosis and monitoring of the limb girdle dystrophies in a manner accessible to general neurologists. [source]

Results of laparoscopic splenectomy for treatment of malignant conditions

HPB, Issue 4 2001
E M Targarona
Background Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is widely accepted for treatment of benign diseases, but there are few reports of its use in cases of haematological malignancy. In addition, comparative studies with open operation are lacking. Malignant haematological diseases have specific clinical features - notably splenomegaly and impaired general health - which can impact on the immediate outcome after LS. The immediate outcome of LS comparing benign with malignant diagnoses has been analysed in a prospective series of 137 operations. Patients and methods Between February 1993 and April 2000, 137 patients with a wide range of splenic disorders received LS. Clinical data and immediate outcome were prospectively recorded, and age, diagnosis, operation time, perioperative transfusion requirement, spleen weight, conversion rate, accessory incision, hospital stay and complications were analysed. Results The series included 100 benign cases and 37 suspected malignancies. In patients with malignant diseases the mean age was greater (37 years [3,85] vs 60 years [27,82], p <0.01), LS took longer (138 min [60,400] vs 161 min [75,300], p <0.05) and an accessory incision for spleen retrieval was required more frequently (18% vs 93%, p <0.01) because the spleen was larger (279 g [60,1640] vs 1210 g [248,3100], p <0.01). However, the rate of conversion to open operation (5% vs 14%), postoperative morbidity rate (13% vs 22%) and transfusion requirement (15% vs 26%) did not differ between benign and malignant cases. Hospital stay was longer in malignant cases (3.7 days [2,14] vs 5 days [2,14], p <0.05). Conclusion LS is a safe procedure in patients with malignant disease requiring splenectomy in spite of the longer operative time and the higher conversion rate. [source]

Problem solving therapy for the depression-executive dysfunction syndrome of late life

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 8 2008
George S. Alexopoulos
Abstract Background The ,depression executive dysfunction syndrome' afflicts a considerable number of depressed elderly patients and may be resistant to conventional pharmacotherapy. Non-pharmacological approaches addressing their behavioral deficits may reduce disability and experienced stress and improve depression. Methods This paper focuses on problem solving therapy (PST) because it targets concrete problems that can be understood by patients with executive dysfunction and trains patients to address them using an easy to comprehend structured approach. Results We suggest that PST is a suitable treatment for patients with the depression-executive dysfunction syndrome because it has been found effective in uncomplicated geriatric major depression and in other psychiatric disorders accompanied by severe executive dysfunction. Furthermore, PST can address specific clinical features of depressed patients with executive dysfunction, especially when modified to address difficulties with affect regulation, initiation and perseveration. Conclusions A preliminary study suggests that appropriately modified PST improves problem solving skills, depression and disability in elderly patients with the depression-executive dysfunction syndrome of late life. If these findings are confirmed, PST may become a therapeutic option for a large group of depressed elderly patients likely to be drug resistant. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]