Shigeru Kano

Creutzfelt–Jakob disease presenting hyperparathyroidism

We reported a 68-year-old female with Creutzfelt-Jakob disease (CJD) presenting hyperparathyroidism. She was suspected as Creutzfelt-Jakob like syndrome at her initial visit to our hospital because of progressive dementia and high level of serum calcium. Finally she was diagnosed as having CJD by the clinical symptoms including progressive dementia and myoclonus and the characteristic patterns of brain CT and electroencephalogram (EEG). CJD presents a variety of symptoms including progressive dementia, apathy and myoclonus. Hyperparathyroidism and toxicity of lithium, delirium and bismuth have been reported to induce similar symptoms of CJD, which are called Creutzfelt-Jakob like syndrome. Therefore, the diagnosis of CJD would be difficult in cases with CJD accompanied with Creutzfelt-Jakob like syndrome. It is rare for otolaryngologists to examine patients with dementia like CJD. However, we have to keep CJD in mind in the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism.

Dynamic Movement of Air Tract Fluid in Lubrication of the Larynx During Phonation: A Basic Study Using Excised Canine Larynges and Experimental Air Tract Fluid by Means of X-Ray Stroboscope System

Experiments using excised canine larynges and experimental air tract fluid were conducted to clarify the movement of air tract fluid in association with vocal fold vibration by means of X-ray stroboscope system. It was thought that the movement of air tract fluid in lubricating of the larynx during phonation was closely correlated to vocal fold vibration, especially the wave motion of the mucous membrane of the vocal folds and the movement of air tract fluid on the glottis might be one of parameters to evaluate the flexibility of the mucous membrane of the vocal folds.