Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R Slinger.
Three cases of transfusion-transmitted malaria in Canada are described. Although very rare, this diagnosis should be considered in transfusion recipients who have undiagnosed symptoms consistent with malaria. Thick and thin blood smears should be urgently examined to exclude this possibility.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: GB virus C (GBV-C)/hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a recently recognized parenterally and sexually transmitted agent. The prevalence of GBV-C/HGV markers in Canadian blood donors has not been previously studied and was therefore determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood donors [identity unlinked (IU), short-term temporarily deferred (STTD) and autologous groups] and donor samples with antibodies to hepatitis C (anti-HCV) or hepatitis B core were tested for GBV-C/HGV RNA and for antibodies to E2 antigen (anti-E2). RESULTS: GBV-C/HGV RNA was found in 1.1% and anti-E2 in 7.3% of the combined IU/STTD donor group. Viremia was much more common in anti-HCV-positive samples (12.5%); anti-E2 was present in >50% of this group. In the STTD group, female gender was significantly associated with viremia. CONCLUSION: GBV-C/HGV infection is relatively common in Canadian donors, and a small proportion are viremic. The association of female gender and viremia was unexpected. Further study is needed to clarify the epidemiology and natural history of GBV-C/HGV infection.
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An erosive teratoma of the parapharyngeal space is described. Our patient at three months of age presented with an eight-week history of torticollis. Diagnosis was strongly suggested by CT scan which clearly demonstrated bony, fluid and intermediate densities suggestive of a teratoma. The tumor had eroded the petrous bone with inferior extension to the level of the hyoid cartilage. An angiogram revealed compromise of the internal carotid artery at the skull base. Surgical resection at five months removed the tumor from the right parapharyngeal space and included a portion of the petrous bone involving the contents of the middle ear and extending to the base of skull. All vital structures including the facial nerve, carotid artery and vagus nerve preserved. An intraoperative CSF leak was controlled with a muscle plug. To our knowledge, such an extensive teratoma eroding the petrous bone and base of skull, presenting as a neck mass, is the first reported case in the literature. The value of a CT scan as an aid in diagnosis of this tumor is stressed.