Internal Medicine

0521779407-09 CUNY1086/Karliner 0 521 77940 7 June 4, 2007 21:13

736 Huntington’s Disease Hydatid Cyst Disease

management

What to Do First

■Genetic counseling & genetic testing should be considered in most

cases

General Measures

■Psychiatric, physical therapy & neurologic consultations are helpful

➣Support groups are helpful

specific therapy

■No definitive treatment available

Indications

■Chorea

➣D2 receptor blocking drugs: haloperidol or chlorpromazine

➣Dopamine-depleting agents: reserpine or tetrabenazine (not

available in U.S.)

➣Benzodiazipines: clonazepam

■Depression

➣Tricyclics, SSRIs, other novel antidepressants are effective

follow-up

N/A

complications and prognosis

■Chronic progressive condition over 10–20 years

➣Depression & suicide common

Hydatid Cyst Disease.................................

AIJAZ AHMED, MD

history & physical

History

■Endemic in sheep & cattle rearing regions

Signs & Symptoms

■Many cysts asymptomatic; can become symptomatic after decades

of slow growth w/ abdominal pain, fever, jaundice anorexia, weight

loss, vomiting, pruritus; symptoms may follow rupture, leakage, or

secondary bacterial infection

■Examination: tender mass, fever, jaundice