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Urethral diverticula are a common cause of chronic genitourinary symptoms in women. They occur in 5% of women overall, with higher frequencies in selected populations of symptomatic women. The classical presentation is with recurrent urinary tract infections and post-micturition dribbling but almost any urinary symptom may be a presenting feature. Newer imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging and perineal ultrasound are now widely available and urethral diverticula, that were previously unrecognized, can now be more easily detected. However, despite the availability of effective diagnostic techniques, diagnosis is often delayed. This is due to a lack of awareness among clinicians. These patients are often inappropriately treated for other conditions, significantly delaying the proper management of their condition. A high index of suspicion, a careful examination and referral for appropriate investigation will improve the number correctly diagnosed and lead to considerable benefit since most symptomatic cases can be cured by appropriate surgery. This review aims to summarize the presentation, investigation and management of female urethral diverticulum. Hopefully, greater awareness will lead to more timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

During 1994/5 the Japanese civilian population suffered 2 terror attacks by the organophosphorus nerve-agent sarin. In these 2 episodes it is estimated that more than 6000 people were injured, of whom 19 died. The quick and efficient response of the civilian emergency systems to these unforeseen, attacks has to be analyzed by local authorities to determine the best solutions in case of another attack. We summarize the events, and note the emergency system's response, the need for rapid and accurate chemical identification of the toxin, the necessity for decontaminating the casualties and for providing protective gear for rescue units in the contaminated area. We also describe the clinical status of the casualties and outline the mode of therapy applied.

The Rh, Du blood phenotype occurs rarely in the white population (0.23-0.60%). Its clinical significance is whether it should be considered it as Rh positive or negative. A pregnant woman with blood type Rh, Du (+), who delivered an Rh D (+) baby and was not given Rh immune globulin is presented. The Du antigen is manifested by weak expression of the D gene on the RBC envelope, and therefore Rh Du (+) is considered Rh (D) positive. An exception to this rule is the occurrence of transplacental fetomaternal bleeding in an Rh negative mother carrying an Rh positive fetus, when blood is typed close to the time of hemorrhage. In addition, there are other rare phenotypes, such as the D variant and the Du variant, in which there is alloanti-D present in the serum of Rh (D) positive or Rh Du positive patients, causing mild hemolytic disease of the newborn in rare instances.