Conclusions-This is a small study, but it shows that, depending on the timing of the lumbar puncture, false negative results can occur with both ferritin and D-dimer measurements. It suggests that neither of these tests adds significantly to the information provided by CT, visualisation of CSF, and spectrophotometry and confirms that, despite the use of spectrophotometry, D-dimer and ferritin assays in selecting patients for angiography, the proportion ofpatients with negative CT scans and colourless CSF with demonstrable vascular lesions remains low.(7 Clin Pathol 1994;47:986-989)

Gold weight has been used as a lid-loading device in facial palsy for more than 50 years. This technique is frequently associated with certain complications like ulceration, migration, extrusion, etc. We have devised a new-shaped gold weight to reduce the rate of occurrence of these complications. This new implant has a large central fenestration. We believe that this shape reduces anterior surface contact and promotes fibrous healing through fenestration. This will keep the implant anchored in its position, hence, reducing the risk of ulceration, migration, and extrusion. We have been using this kind of implant for the last 2 years without any complication noted so far.

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The testosterone biosynthesis defect, 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency, is generally characterized by marked virilization at puberty of children raised as females. We describe an unusual case with a persistent female body habitus presenting with primary amenorrhoea and mild facial hirsutism. Whilst awaiting gonadectomy, serum androgen concentrations were observed to fall spontaneously to within the adult female reference ranges. Location of the gonads was a problem and was finally achieved by magnetic resonance imaging.