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Vasovagal syncope is a common condition, usually associated with a benign prognosis. Most sufferers experience only occasional symptoms, and can be treated with reassurance and lifestyle advice. However, a minority of patients are debilitated by frequent fainting that can infringe on daily living, or even mimic sudden death. This has been termed "malignant" vasovagal syncope because of the associated falls and physical injury. In these cases, a more interventional approach may be appropriate. Pharmacological measures have been the mainstay of treatment for recurrent vasovagal syncope: beta-blockers (e.g. atenolol), serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. paroxetine), certain vasoconstricting drugs (e.g. midodrine) and fluid retaining agents (e.g. fludrocortisone) have been of particular interest. However, there is only mixed support from randomised controlled trials for the efficacy of these agents in preventing vasovagal syncope. 1,2,3 In the last few years, cardiac pacing has been advocated for the treatment of some forms of vasovagal syncope. This article reviews the literature and discusses the indications for pacing in vasovagal syncope.

Anterior zone (transition zone and anterior horn of peripheral zone) tumours represent 20–30% of all prostate cancers. Traditional transrectal prostate biopsies fail to sample this area of the prostate gland adequately, thereby underestimating the true extent of anterior zone cancers. This article outlines the behaviour and significance of this entity and discusses investigations that are currently available which may aid in their detection. The implementation of transperineal template-guided prostate biopsies will allow optimal sampling of the anterior zone whilst advances in the field of magnetic resonance imaging allow the use of multiple sequences (T2-weighted, spectroscopy, diffusion weighted and dynamic contrast enhancement) to identify these tumours accurately. Such investigations will result in more accurate risk stratification compared with the current diagnostic pathway, and could lead to improved management in this subset of men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a case study of a 62-year-old woman with tuberculous psoas abscess. The patient was noted with a 2-year history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI). It mentions that the patient has undergone an abdominal ultrasound which revealed a scarring in the left kidney and left-sided mass in the iliolumbar region. It further states that the patient was advised on anti-tuberculous medication.