Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2: a neuropathological update

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2 (PCH-2; MIM 277470), an autosomal recessive neurodegeneration with fetal onset, was studied in six autopsies with ages at death ranging between 1 and 22 years. Three patients were distantly related. A case of olivopontocerebellar hypoplasia (OPCH; MIM 225753) was studied for comparison. Typical findings are: short cerebellar folia with poor branching (“hypoplasia”), relative sparing of the vermis, sharply demarcated areas of full thickness loss of cerebellar cortex probably resulting from regression at an early stage of development, segmental loss of dentate nuclei with preserved islands and reactive changes, segmental loss in the inferior olivary nucleus with reactive changes, loss of ventral pontine nuclei with near absence of transverse pontine fibers and sparing of spinal anterior horn cells. Variable findings are: cystic cerebellar degeneration, found in two, with vascular changes limited to the cerebellum in one. Comparison to olivopontocerebellar hypoplasia (OPCH) strongly suggests a continuum of pathology between this disorder and PCH-2. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response is negative. We conclude that the neuropathological findings in PCH-2 are sufficiently specific to enable an unequivocal diagnosis based on neuropathology

Communication about genetic testing with breast and ovarian cancer patients: a scoping review

© 2018, The Author(s). Genetic testing of patients with cancer is increasingly offered to guide management, resulting in a growing need for oncology health professionals to communicate genetics information and facilitate informed decision-making in a short time frame. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesise what is known about health professionals’ communication about genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer with cancer patients. Four databases were systematically searched using a recognised scoping review method. Areas and types of research were mapped and a narrative synthesis of the findings was undertaken. Twenty-nine papers from 25 studies were included. Studies were identified about (i) information needs, (ii) process and content of genetic counselling, (iii) cognitive and emotional impact, including risk perception and recall, understanding and interpretation of genetic test results, and anxiety and distress, (iv) patients’ experiences, (v) communication shortly after diagnosis and (vi) alternatives to face-to-face genetic counselling. Patients’ need for cancer-focused, personalised information is not always met by genetic counselling. Genetic counselling tends to focus on biomedical information at the expense of psychological support. For most patients, knowledge is increased and anxiety is not raised by pre-test communication. However, some patients experience anxiety and distress when results are disclosed, particularly those tested shortly after diagnosis who are unprepared or unsupported. For many patients, pre-test communication by methods other than face-to-face genetic counselling is acceptable. Research is needed to identify patients who may benefit from genetic counselling and support and to investigate communication about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer by oncology health professionals

Two new cases of aquagenic wrinkling of the palms and literature review on drug interactions

Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms (AWP) is a rare, acquired condition of the skin, defined by transient rapidly developing white to translucent papules on palms and/or soles after brief exposure to water. Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms is associated with cystic fibrosis (CF). Therefore, the diagnosis of AWP can be important. Etiopathogenesis of AWP is still unclear. Treatment is often unsatisfactory and can be very challenging. This article contributes to the knowledge of AWP as we describe two new cases of aquagenic wrinkling of the palms: one patient with familial history of CF and one patient with AWP that was presumed to be induced by use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, we present a review of the literature on drug-induced AWP

Two new cases of aquagenic wrinkling of the palms and literature review on drug interactions

Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms (AWP) is a rare, acquired condition of the skin, defined by transient rapidly developing white to translucent papules on palms and/or soles after brief exposure to water. Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms is associated with cystic fibrosis (CF). Therefore, the diagnosis of AWP can be important. Etiopathogenesis of AWP is still unclear. Treatment is often unsatisfactory and can be very challenging. This article contributes to the knowledge of AWP as we describe two new cases of aquagenic wrinkling of the palms: one patient with familial history of CF and one patient with AWP that was presumed to be induced by use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, we present a review of the literature on drug-induced AWP