Morphometric parameters of the human pineal gland in relation to age, body weight and height

The aim of the study was to compare the size, weight, volume and density of the pineal gland in several groups divided by age, body weight and height. 80 human pineal glands were included in the study. Obtained data were statistically analysed by means of Statistica by Statsoft to check existing differences. Obtained data show some significant differences between pineal gland morphometry in weight- and height-related groups. However, these differences do not influence pineal volume significantly. Differences between the pineal gland volume in the maximal and in the minimal weight groups may suggest some relationship between the gland’s structure and body weight. No age-related changes in the morphometry of the pineal gland were observed

Cardiac sympathetic dysfunction in haemodialysed patients

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate thecardiac sympathetic nervous system function in haemodialysed(HD), non-diabetic patients by iodine-123 meta-iodo-benzylguanidine(123I-mIBG).MATERIALS AND METHODS: Planar scintigraphy of the chestwas performed in 36 HD, male patients; 15 minutes and 4 hourspost injection of 370 MBq of 123I-mIBG. The semiquantitativeanalysis of myocardial tracer uptake was expressed as routineheart to mediastinum (H/M) ratio: 15 minutes (early H/M) and4 hour (late H/M) post administration as well as washout of thetracer from myocardium (WR). 24-hour Holter studies were recordedand heart rate variability (HRV) was evaluated. Patientswere divided into two groups according to the H/M value: groupA patients with H/M > 1.8 which has been accepted as a norm,and group B patients with H/M < 1.8.RESULTS: In 21/36 patients H/M ratio was below normal values.Significant differences between groups A and B were foundamong the following parameters: early H/M and late H/M ratios,WR and duration of haemodialysis therapy.CONCLUSIONS: In patients with abnormal function of cardiacsympathetic nervous system, expressed by means of H/M ratiobelow 1.8, duration of haemodialysis treatment was longer.Duration of HD appears to be an important factor influencingcardiac sympathetic nervous system.

Thoracic ectopic kidney in adults. A report of 2 cases

Thoracic kidney is the rarest, usually asymptomatic type of kidney ectopia. 2 cases of thoracic kidney discovered incidentally through chest radiography are reported. In both patients renal function tests were normal and no further treatment was necessary. Ultrasonography and computed tomography studies performed for confirmation of the diagnosis are presented. An embryonic background of this abnormality is discussed