Scintiscanning in the management of phaeochromocytoma

sistent watery vomiting. No blood or bile was noted. Over the following three days her progress deteriorated, and she became moderately dehydrated and unable to retain any oral fluids. At no time did she notice blood or mucus in her bowelactions, which were frequent (8-12 per day). She suffered sweaty attacks with nausea, but was not febrile. Bacterial investigations of the faeces showed negative results, as did the initial microscopy; however, examination of a methanol-fixed smear by the modified Kinyoun fuchsin method described by Ma' showed the presence of numerous acid-fast bodies approximately 3-4 ~m in diameter. These bodiesstained from pale pink to deep fuchsia; some remained unstained. Repeat examination by Sheather's sucrose flotation technique using phase contrast showed the presence of numerous refractile bodies consistent with oocysts of Cryptosporidia. In view of the association of this parasite with immunodeficiency states, immunoglobulin levels were estimated, but these were found to be withinnormal limits. Further investigations over the following two weeks showed decreasing numbersof oocysts. Examination of immediate family members showed the presence of oocysts in one son. The increasing numberof reportsreaching the literature would suggest that this organism is more prevalent in humans than is commonly thought. The examination of a wet mount by Sheather's flotation technique and a fixedsmear stained by Ma's technique would quickly exclude the parasite in cases of watery diarrhoea where no other cause is found. D. McColl, FAIMLS Pathology Department Launceston GeneralHospital Launceston, TAS 7250 T.J. Mooney, MB BS Anne Street Georgetown, TAS 7253