No abstract

The reactive hemophagocytic syndrome is a condition characterized by systemic proliferation of benign hemophagocytic histiocytes, fever, cytopenia, abnormal liver function, and frequently coagulopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Its occurrence has been documented in association with viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections; a wide spectrum of malignant neoplasms; some miscellaneous disorders; and phenytoin. Disseminated strongyloidiasis is reported in a patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with corticosteroids in whom a reactive hemophagocytic syndrome developed and who finally died. This reactive hemophagocytic syndrome is reported for the first time in strongyloidiasis and may not have been recognized in former patients.

Summary: Acute mitral insufficiency, originated from rupture of initral chordae tendineae secondary to nonpenetrating thoracic trauma, is an unusual condition. This diagnosis is difficult to establish because physical examination, electrocardiogram, and cardiac enzymes are neither sensitive nor specific. The diagnosis of rupture must be quickly established because this disorder may be fatal. This paper reports the c;ise ofa patient with acute initral insufficiency secondary to a mitral valve chord rupture a week after a nonpenetrating thoracic trauma.

Preliminary results obtained with NaCl thermally etched in air for short periods (from 15 min to 4 h) are reported. It is found that several surface structures appear successively with the corresponding transition patterns, emphasising the dynamic character of the process. The results are interpreted in terms of the classical theories of crystal growth, and as such, offer a direct confirmation of them.