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The aim of this study was to evaluate the rCBF (133Xe clearance method) in migrainous patients free from attack. Fifty patients suffering from migraine without aura (group M) and 20 suffering from migraine with aura (group MA) (age range 20-50 years) were submitted to 32 channel rCBF mapping during the interictal period. The rCBF data of patients were compared with those obtained from 60 healthy control subjects (group C) and 21 patients suffering from tension-type headache (group TH). The mean (average of all channels) rCBF values were: group M = 70.5 +/- 13.7 ml/100g/min; group MA = 56.6 +/- 11.4 ml/100g/min; group C = 62.3 +/- 8.3 ml/100g/min; group TH = 62.1 +/- 8.4 ml/100g/min (F = 11.93; p < 0.001). As expected, patients belonging to group TH had a normal rCBF. The mean rCBF of group M was significantly higher than that of groups C and TH, while in group MA it was significantly lower than in groups C and TH. Group M showed a diffuse hyperemia, while group MA showed rCBF values significantly lower than normal in posterior regions, according to aura. Our results suggest that: (a) the rCBF pattern in migrainous patients is different from that in both controls and TH patients, even during the interictal period; (b) patients suffering from migraine with and without aura are two distinct subpopulations with opposite rCBF deviations.

This manuscript concerns the ethical aspects of the clinical autopsy procedure. Much of the literature on this topic addresses some of the multifaceted issues potentially involved: religious beliefs and/or cultural traditions coming to bear on the management of autopsies, relations between families and healthcare personnel (physicians and technicians) involved in conducting an autopsy, ethical implications of regulations to follow and procedures for obtaining biological samples for further diagnostics or research. All these issues have ethical implications, particularly in today’s globalised cultural domain. To preserve for future generations the teaching and scientific value of the clinical autopsy, scientific societies and academic institutions should endorse educational efforts to promote the ethical management of autopsy procedures.

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