Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Isolated non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) was first described in 1984. This disorder, a primary genetic cardiomyopathy, is now attracting increased attention. ⋯ NCCM is a type of cardiomyopathy that was first described 25 years ago. Its molecular genetic basis is not yet fully clear, and the same is true of its diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Further study of these matters is needed.
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There are many unresolved issues in the diagnosis and treatment of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in its post-acute and chronic phases. This article deals with two problems of clinical importance: (i) the interrelationships between structural brain damage, brain function, and clinical outcome, and (ii) post-traumatic epilepsy. ⋯ A comparison of the findings of neuroradiological studies and neuropsychological tests among patients in the chronic phase of traumatic brain injury does not reveal any simple relationship between structural and functional brain abnormalities. Diffuse axonal injury is often present in combination with other findings, and it may well be the only structural abnormality in many cases; therefore, all symptomatic patients should undergo MRI of the brain. Patients with isolated DAI seem to be less prone to post-traumatic epilepsy than those with brain contusions.
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Review
Recurrent breast cancer: treatment strategies for maintaining and prolonging good quality of life.
Recurrent breast cancer remains a challenge for interdisciplinary treatment even though new therapeutic options are available. ⋯ While locoregional recurrences of breast cancer should be treated with curative intent, breast cancer with distant metastases is currently not curable. It is treated with the intention of restoring and maintaining good quality of life and relieving symptoms due to the metastases, rather than prolonging survival.