Treatment with cimetidine of atypical fasciitis panniculitis syndrome

Article Abstract:

Fasciitis, inflammation of the fibrous membranes that support and separate tissues such as muscle and skin, and panniculitis, inflammation of fatty connective tissue in the abdominal wall, frequently occur in autoimmune disorders such as scleroderma and lupus erythematosus profundus (a type of lupus). These diseases have been well characterized, but sometimes share overlapping features. This report describes three patients, between 34 and 70 years old, with similar fasciitis and panniculitis (AFPS) but diverse other syndromes, which did not fall into any known AFPS disorders. The diagnosis was uncertain in these cases because of unusual features such as simultaneous yet different skin lesions, differing intensities of skin lesions, diverse involvement of other tissues, and unusual microscopic findings. The first patient was unusual in having more than one or two organs involved. The second patient was unusual in having arthritis in multiple joints but a negative blood test for rheumatoid factor (a possible indicator of rheumatoid arthritis) in combination with eosinophilic fasciitis. In addition, this patient also had phlebitis (inflammation of a vein) and granulomas (growths containing granular white blood cells). The third patient had two types of skin lesions plus abnormalities of blood vessels, which were reminiscent of progressive systemic sclerosis, a type of systemic scleroderma. However, other features, such as raised levels of a type of antibody and migration of mast cells, which produce histamine, are atypical of systemic scleroderma, and thus diagnosis is best deferred. All patients responded well to cimetidine, a drug which blocks the action of histamine on white blood cells and other tissues. The study suggests that patients with disorders similar to those described may also benefit from cimetidine therapy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Case studies, Cimetidine, Nodular fasciitis

---

Effect of low dietary lipid on the development of Sjogren's syndrome and haematological abnormalities in (NZB x NZW)F1 mice

Article Abstract:

Under abnormal conditions, the body's immune system attacks body tissues and factors in what is called the autoimmune reaction. Studies show that hereditary, viral, and environmental factors influence the onset and severity of autoimmune diseases. The (NZB x NZW)F1 mice serve as an animal model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic inflammatory disease of connective tissue, and Sjogren's syndrome, a disorder characterized by decreased production of saliva and tears. In SLE, antibodies, or specialized proteins that normally bind and inactivate foreign particles, attack cell components. Studies have shown that (NZB x NZW)F1 mice are influenced by nutritional factors. For example, low-fat diets decreased symptoms of autoimmunity, whereas high-lipid diets increased the severity of the disease. The delay in disease progression was reflected by normal secretion of tears, decreased accumulation of inflammatory cells in exocrine tissue, and reduced severity of anemia (an abnormal decrease in red blood cells). These findings suggest that nutritional changes may help to decrease the severity of symptoms associated with SLE and Sjogren's syndrome. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Models, Autoimmune diseases, Sjogren's syndrome, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Diet therapy

---

Diagnostic values of clinical diagnostic tests in subacromial impingement syndrome

Article Abstract:

The Hawkins test, the Neer test, and the horizontal adduction test are the most accurate diagnostic tests for subacromial impingement syndrome. This syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain. The drop arm test, the Yergason test, and the painful arc test were best at ruling out subacromial impingement syndrome.

Diagnosis, Shoulder pain

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Treatment of systemic sclerosis. Fibrosing alveolitis in the adult respiratory distress syndrome. Pulmonary involvement in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: broncheoalveolar fluid granulocytosis predicts progression of fibrosing alveolitis
• Abstracts: Three opportunistic infections associated with ectopic corticotropin syndrome. The limited value of symptoms and signs in the diagnosis of vaginal infections
• Abstracts: Santayana's warning unheeded: the parallels of syphilis and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The origin of syphilis: clinical and epidemiological considerations on the Columbian theory
• Abstracts: Reactions of mothers and medical professionals to a film about Down Syndrome. Insulinlike growth factors in patients with active nephrotic syndrome

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.