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A 34-year-old Japanese man diagnosed as having cat-eye syndrome (CES) with isolated idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) was treated at our university. He showed preauricular pits/tags, downward slanting palpebral fissures, ocular hypertelorism, and strabismus. However, ocular coloboma and anal atresia, major characteristic features of CES, were negative. Chromosomal analysis revealed malformation in chromosome 22 and eunuchoid features and a low grade development of secondary sexual characteristics were also evident. Endocrinological examinations revealed that this patient was in a state of isolated IHH. Although CES with IHH is extremely rare, endocrine disorders should be given due attention.

A 74-year-old woman with recurrent fever and multiple joint pain was admitted to Hokkaido University Hospital. Trans-esophageal echocardiogram revealed bacterial vegetation and destruction of the aortic valve. Although few bacteria grew in regular blood agar, Gram-positive coccobacillus was specifically grown in chocolate blood agar and Brucella agar, and it was identified to be Abiotrophia defectiva. Infectious endocarditis caused by Abiotrophia defectiva was diagnosed, she was treated with diuretics, penicillin G and gentamicin, and she immediately improved. Infectious diseases caused by Abiotrophia defectiva are extremely rare, and identification of this pathogen is important, as its bacterial characteristics require proper attention.

A 50-year-old man with a 7-year history of an ulcerative rash on the lower extremities had rapidly progressive renal failure. Monoclonal IgA (lambda) was detected in his serum. Kidney biopsy revealed proliferative glomerulonephritis with dominant IgA and C3 deposition, compatible with IgA nephropathy. Immunohistochemical staining with anti-lambda chain was negative and electron microscopic examination revealed deposits in subendothelial and mesangial areas. The findings on the skin biopsy were consistent with that of a pyoderma gangrenosum. The patient was treated with prednisolone pulse therapy followed by oral prednisolone. Renal function gradually and almost completely improved and proteinuria disappeared.