We have investigated the annual incidence of Perthes' disease in Dumfries and Galloway (Southwest Scotland), in relation to the population density and socio-economic status. The incidence of Perthes' disease in rural Scotland is comparable with that in urban areas (15.4 per 100,000). There was a direct association between the incidence of Perthes' disease and deprivation scores, with the highest incidence in the most deprived areas. A higher incidence of Perthes' disease was noted in areas with a lower population density compared with those with a higher density. We found no correlation between population density and deprivation scores for individual electoral wards within the region.

Identification of biological changes underlying the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) will help to identify and stage individuals prior to symptom onset. The limbic system, which supports episodic memory and is impaired early in AD, is a primary target. In this study, brain metabolism and microstructure evaluated by high field (7 Tesla) proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were evaluated in the limbic system of eight individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), nine with AD, and sixteen normal elderly controls (NEC). Left hippocampal glutamate and posterior cingulate N-acetyl aspartate concentrations were reduced in MCI and AD compared to NEC. Differences in DTI metrics indicated volume and white matter loss along the cingulum in AD compared to NEC. Metabolic and microstructural changes were associated with episodic memory performance assessed using Craft Story 21 Recall and Benson Complex Figure Copy. The current study suggests that metabolite concentrations measured using 1 H-MRS may provide insight into the underlying metabolic and microstructural processes of episodic memory impairment.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor that is derived from C cells of the thyroid gland. It is a rare aggressive tumor, known to metastasize to lymph nodes, liver, bones, and lungs. A 41-year-old female, who presented with a breast mass, was initially diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. She was also found to have a thyroid mass which was later diagnosed as MTC. On a rereview of the breast pathology, the morphologic features were strikingly similar to the MTC. Further investigation revealed that this was in fact a very rare case of MTC that had metastasized to the breast. We have identified 20 cases of MTC metastasizing to the breast in the literature that supports its occurrence as a real possibility. Albeit rare, medullary thyroid carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a breast mass.

IntroductionSesamoiditis of the Metatarsophalangeal joint is a broad term categorizing a range of pathologies that can be painful and disabling. The aim of this review was to discuss sesamoiditis of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Conclusion As its definition and categorization is inconsistent throughout the literature available, more clinical data and audits are needed to increase the existing pool of literature in establishing a universal definition. However, a high index of suspicion of sesamoiditis and MRI scan remains the key for diagnosis after any pathology arises in the MTP joint, as it is an easily missed condition.

Tailgut cysts are congenital cysts arising in the retrorectal space. They are thought to be benign with variable malignancy risks. We report a case with previous surgical intervention decades prior that had undergone a tailgut cyst excision with surgical complications leading to carcinomatosis. An elderly female (70s) presented with tailbone/pelvic pain. She underwent cyst excision that was complicated by an intraoperative rupture. The cyst was pathologically proven to be a tailgut cyst with adenocarcinoma. She presented 13 months postoperatively to the emergency department with worsening abdominal pain. Imaging was concerning for diffuse omental nodules and narrowing of the proximal sigmoid colon. She was not deemed to be a surgical candidate and was transitioned to hospice care, where she passed away shortly afterward. This case report highlights the utility of complete excision of tailgut cysts and possible complications.