Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Uncommon
Kinds of Uncommon Terms modified by Uncommon Selected AbstractsBooks and Multimedia ReviewsMETEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 3 2001Article first published online: 4 FEB 2010 Book reviewed in this article: Catalogue of Meteorites, Fifth Edition (Revised and Enlarged) by Monica M. Grady Extrasolar Planets: The Search for New Worlds by Stuart Clark The Moon: Resources, Future Development and Colonization by David Schrunk, Burton Sharpe, Bonnie Cooper and Madhu Thangavelu Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe by Peter D. Ward and Donald E. Brownlee [source] Sunitinib malate in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor: Recommendations for patient management,ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Jayesh DESAI Abstract Sunitinib malate (SU011248, Sutent®[Pfizer]) is an oral multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with efficacy against renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Sunitinib has been approved by various regulatory authorities for treatment of advanced RCC and unresectable and/or malignant GIST following failure of imatinib mesylate treatment due to resistance or intolerance. Sunitinib is generally well tolerated, with most side-effects being mild to moderate. The most common adverse events are lethargy, diarrhea, stomatitis, hand,foot syndrome and hypertension. Uncommon but important adverse effects are hypothyroidism and hematological toxicity (neutropenia and thrombocytopenia), which require monitoring. Caution is recommended when using concurrent inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4. The frequency and severity of side-effects often correlates with increased drug exposure. In clinical trials, side-effects seldom led to treatment discontinuation. This paper summarizes the published literature and provides recommendations for patient assessments and management of treatment-related side-effects. [source] Longstanding malformation of right sided pinna in an elderly manCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 1 2010Deeke Yolmo ABSTRACT The pinna is the second most common site for external ear vascular malformation in the head and neck. These malformations are relatively uncommon in adults and can pose difficult therapeutic challenges. We hereby present a case of a 69-year-old man with a congenital lesion in the right pinna consistent with an arteriovenous malformation. The lesion was complicated by ulceration and bleeding for 6 months prior to presentation. Resection of pinna was carried out, and satisfactory functional and esthetic results were obtained. There was no recurrence at 22 months of regular follow up. [source] Pediatric Interventional Cardiology in the United States is Dependent on the Off-label Use of Medical DevicesCONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, Issue 1 2010Jamie S. Sutherell MD ABSTRACT Objective., A substantial unmet medical device need exists in pediatric care. As a result, the off-label use of approved devices is routine in pediatric interventional cardiology, but the extent and nature of this practice has not been previously described. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to evaluate the prevalence and nature of off-label cardiac device use in an active pediatric interventional program in the United States. Study Design., This study is a retrospective review of all interventional cardiac procedures performed at our institution from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2008. Diagnostic (noninterventional) catheterizations, myocardial biopsies, invasive electrophysiology studies, and studies involving investigational devices were excluded. Interventions performed were compared with the manufacturer's labeled indications for each device. Results., During this 3-year period, 473 patients (median age 4.1 years) underwent 595 transcatheter interventions. An approved device was utilized for an off-label application in 63% of patients, and in 50% of all interventions performed. The most frequent off-label procedures were stent implantations (99% off-label), balloon dilations (78% off-label), and coil embolizations (29% off-label). In contrast, the off-label use of septal and ductal occluders was relatively uncommon. Conclusions., In our routine (noninvestigational) practice of pediatric interventional cardiology, 63% of patients underwent procedures utilizing medical devices for off-label indications. These data underscore the need to enhance cardiac device review and approval processes in the United States to include pediatric applications. [source] Intra-aortic Balloon Pump Use in the Failing Fontan CirculationCONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, Issue 1 2008Adrian M. Moran MB ABSTRACT Acute cardiogenic shock in patients with Fontan physiology, while uncommon, is associated with devastating outcomes. Management of these patients is increasingly relying on the use of mechanical support. The use of intra-aortic balloon pump is underutilized. This report highlights the successful use of this modality in an adult with Fontan physiology and reviews the literature on this approach in such patients. [source] Hypersensitivity reactions associated with endovascular devicesCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2008Golara Honari Allergic reactions to endoprostheses are uncommon and reported in association with orthopaedic, dental, endovascular and other implanted devices. Hypersensitivity reactions to the biomaterials used in endovascular prostheses are among the infrequent reactions that may lead to local or systemic complications following cardiovascular therapeutic interventions. This article reviews potential immunotoxic effects of commonly used biomaterials. Reports of putative hypersensitivity reactions to endovascular devices, including coronary stents, perforated foramen occluders, pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators are also reviewed. [source] BUSINESS METHOD PATENTS AND U.S. FINANCIAL SERVICESCONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC POLICY, Issue 3 2010ROBERT M. HUNT A decade after the State Street decision, more than 1,000 business method patents are granted each year. Yet, only 1 in 10 is obtained by a financial institution. Most business method patents are also software patents. Have these patents increased innovation in financial services? To address this question, we construct new indicators of research and development intensity based on the occupational composition of financial industries. The financial sector appears more research intensive than official statistics would suggest but less than the private economy taken as a whole. There is considerable variation across industries but little apparent trend. There does not appear to be an obvious effect from business method patents on the sector's research intensity. Looking ahead, three factors suggest that the patent system may affect financial services as it has electronics: (1) the sector's heavy reliance on information technology, (2) the importance of standard setting, and (3) the strong network effects exhibited in many areas of finance. Even today litigation is not uncommon; we sketch a number of significant examples affecting financial exchanges and consumer payments. The legal environment is changing quickly. We review a number of important federal court decisions that will affect how business method patents are obtained and enforced. We also review a number of proposals under consideration in the U.S. Congress. (JEL O31, O34, G20) [source] Characteristics of spousal homicide perpetrators: a study of all cases of spousal homicide in Sweden 1990,1999CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2004Professor Henrik Belfrage PhD Background In Sweden 20 000 cases of assault against women are reported to the police every year. Method All data on the perpetrators of spousal homicide in Sweden between 1990 and 1999 were investigated (n = 164). A control group of all other perpetrators of homicide in Sweden during the same period, i.e. cases of homicide not committed in the context of spouse violence (n = 690) was used. All verdicts, as well as all material in the police investigations, including interviews with all of the police investigators, were analysed. Copies of police examinations of the suspects, and forensic reports from the autopsies, were also examined. Data on all registered criminality were collected from the National Police Register, and in cases where the perpetrators had been subject to forensic psychiatric examinations, those reports were obtained from the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine. In addition, the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version scores were rated from the forensic psychiatric examinations. Results There was a four times higher suicide rate among the spousal homicide perpetrators (24%, n = 40) compared with the perpetrators in the control-group (6%, n = 39, chi-squared = 55,42df = 1 , p < 0.001). Consequently, suicidal ideation must be considered as an important risk factor for spousal homicide. In 79% of the cases the spousal homicide perpetrators were subject to forensic psychiatric examinations. All except 5% were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric diagnosis, and 34% were sentenced to forensic psychiatric treatment. If it is assumed that the psychiatric morbidity was high in the 24% of the perpetrators who committed suicide, then 80% of all perpetrators of spouse homicide during the study period can be characterized as mentally disordered. ,Psychopathic' perpetrators, who generally are over-represented in most violent criminality, were comparatively uncommon. Only seven (4%) in the study group met the diagnostic criteria for psychopathy as measured with the PCL:SV. Discussion The group of spouse killers studied here fits the dysphoric/borderline group of spouse assaulters. This is a group that may benefit from treatment. Perhaps police officers could help identify this kind of spouse assaulter before a fatality occurs. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] The lateral periodontal cyst: aetiology, clinical significance and diagnosisDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2000N. P. Kerezoudis Abstract , The lateral periodontal cyst (LPC) is a relatively uncommon but widely recognized odontogenic cyst of developmental origin. It is found mostly in adults and has no sex predilection. LPC is usually discovered during routine radiographic examination, is located mainly between the roots of vital mandibular canines and premolars, and seldom causes pain or other clinical symptoms. The defect appears on radiographs as a round or teardrop-shaped, well circumscribed radiolucency. Due to its location it can easily be misdiagnosed as a lesion of endodontic origin. In this paper, two cases of lateral periodontal cysts are presented. In the first case, the patient (woman, 62 years old) complained of an asymptomatic gingival swelling in the region between the right maxillary canine and premolar. The radiographic examination revealed a well circumscribed radiolucency with a radiopaque margin between the roots of the canine and premolar. The adjacent teeth had vital pulp. Surgical enucleation of the lesion was performed and the histological examination revealed that the lesion was a "lateral periodontal cyst of developmental origin". In the second case, the patient (woman, 44 years old) compained of a swelling in the area of tooth 32. During radiographic examination a well circumscribed radiolucency between the roots of the lateral incisor and the canine was discovered. Surgical enucleation of the lesion was performed and the histological examination revealed that the lesion was a "lateral periodontal cyst of developmental origin". [source] Complications of Sclerotherapy: An UpdateDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2010FACPH, JEAN-JÉRÔME GUEX MD OBJECTIVES To describe, determine the incidence of, and explain the adverse reactions associated with the use of sclerotherapy and sclerosing agents. MATERIAL AND METHODS Review of current literature and personal research, with special attention to the French registry of 12,173 sclerotherapy sessions. RESULTS The nature and incidence of side effects of sclerosing agents vary according to the injection form: liquid or foam. They must be differentiated from complications of the method, which are less specific and often related to an inappropriate technique. Severe adverse events are rare, especially in relation to the billions of injections administered. CONCLUSION Complications and side effects of sclerotherapy are uncommon; the method has demonstrated its safety, with 0.22% of complications per session with liquid sclerosant and 0.58% with foamed sclerosant, but several points remain unclear, and more research is needed. Patient's informed consent can be better obtained thanks to the current knowledge herein summarized. Jean-Jérôme Guex, MD, FACPh, has received an honorarium from Bioform (USA). [source] In Vitro Resistance to Degradation of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers by Ovine Testicular HyaluronidaseDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2010DEREK JONES MD BACKGROUND Although adverse events are uncommon with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, the use of hyaluronidase permits the reversal of treatment complications or overcorrection. OBJECTIVE This study sought to determine an in vitro dose-response relationship between ovine testicular hyaluronidase (OTH) and three HA dermal fillers (24-mg/mL smooth gel, 20-mg/mL particulate gel, and 5.5-mg/mL particulate gel with 0.3% lidocaine). METHODS AND MATERIALS The dose response of each was measured after incubation for 30 minutes in concentrations ranging between 5 and 40 U of OTH. Timed responses for the 24-mg/mL and 20-mg/mL HA fillers were obtained after incubation with 20 U of OTH for 15 to 120 minutes. RESULTS After all dose responses and timed-interval tests, the 24-mg/mL HA smooth gel filler exhibited more resistance against in vitro enzymatic degradation to OTH than the 20- and 5.5-mg/mL HA particulate gels. CONCLUSION This resistance to degradation in vitro may be attributed to the higher HA content of the 24-mg/mL HA smooth gel, the degree of crosslinking, and the cohesive property of the gel filler. This study was funded by a grant from Allergan, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA. Derek Jones, MD, is a consultant, investigator, advisory board member, and speaker for Allergan, Inc. He received no compensation for this study. Drs. Tezel and Borrell are employed by Allergan, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA. Editorial assistance was provided by Health Learning Systems, a part of CommonHealth, Parsippany, NJ. [source] Subungual Schwannoma: A Rare LocationDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2005Sang Eun Moon MD background. Schwannoma is a benign tumor of neural tissue and usually develops in deeper soft tissue. Cutaneous involvement is uncommon, and a subungual location is extremely rare. In fact, it has not been previously reported. objective. To present a case of subungual schwannoma. method. A 49-year-old man had a subungual tumor on his right thumb of 8 years duration. The lesion caused a mild stinging sensation in winter and grew slowly. The tumor was excised using a transungual approach. After closure, the wound was dressed with a trimmed original nail plate. results. The nail plate grew normally, and there was no recurrence 1 year postoperatively. conclusion. We describe a case of schwannoma that developed in the subungual area of a thumb. Although schwannoma rarely develops in this area, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subungual tumor. [source] Multiply Recurrent Trichilemmal Carcinoma With Perineural Invasion and Cytokeratin 17 PositivityDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 8 2003Julie E. Allee MD Background. Trichilemmal carcinoma is an uncommon cutaneous malignancy that is thought to be the malignant counterpart of the trichilemmoma. Despite histologic features such as pronounced cytologic atypia, trichilemmal carcinoma is often described as having a rather benign clinical course. Cases of tumor recurrence after therapy are uncommon, and tumor neurotropism has never been described. objective. A case of multiply recurrent trichilemmal carcinoma with perineural invasion is described. The outer root sheath differentiation of this neoplasm is confirmed with the use of novel antibodies directed toward cytokeratins that are expressed in this area of the hair follicle. Methods. The trichilemmal carcinoma was excised using the Mohs surgical technique. Tissue obtained during the extirpation of the tumor was subjected to immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 15, cytokeratin 17, and c-erb-B2. Results. Tumor neurotropism was noted. The trichilemmal carcinoma demonstrated abundant cytoplasmic staining for cytokeratin 17 and c-erb-B2. Conclusions. In distinction to previous reports, this case reveals that trichilemmal carcinoma can demonstrate significant biological aggression, as reflected by tumor neurotropism and by failure to respond to multiple surgical excisions. The purported outer root sheath differentiation of this neoplasm is confirmed with the use of novel immunohistochemical staining. This immunohistochemical staining may be useful in differentiating trichilemmal carcinoma from other clear cell neoplasms. [source] Reversible Cardiac Arrest After Polidocanol Sclerotherapy of Peripheral Venous MalformationDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2 2002Massimiliano M. Marrocco-Trischitta MD background. Polidocanol sclerotherapy is a well-established therapeutic modality for the treatment of venous malformations. Systemic complications are extremely rare. objective. To report a case of cardiac complication after polidocanol injection of peripheral venous malformation. methods. A case report and a review of the English language literature using a published MEDLINE search strategy. results. A patient undergoing polidocanol sclerotherapy for a symptomatic venous malformation of the right inferior limb developed cardiac arrest shortly after injection of the sclerosing agent which was promptly reversed. conclusion. Systemic complications following sclerotherapy may occur even when the sclerosant is injected in peripheral veins or venous malformations. Clinicians should be alerted to the possibility of uncommon but life-threatening adverse effects. [source] Axillary Basal Cell Carcinoma: Literature Survey and Case ReportDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2001Erin S. Gardner MD Background. Primary basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the axilla has rarely been reported in the literature. No systematic review has yet been conducted. Objective. To present a case of basal cell carcinoma of the axilla. This is a rare presentation of a common disease in a non-sun-exposed part of the body. Methods. An extensive literature search for axillary BCCs was performed. An additional case is reported. Results. Only 14 cases of primary axillary BCC have been reported in the literature. Metastatic axillary BCC is also rarely reported. Conclusion. BCC in the axilla is extremely uncommon. Factors other than sun exposure are likely involved in tumorigenesis. [source] Pediatric psoriasis and psoriatic arthritisDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 5 2004Debra Lewkowicz ABSTRACT:, Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are not uncommon among the pediatric population. Recognizing and treating these chronic disorders in children present unique challenges for the dermatologist. Paucity of clinical trials and a dearth of available treatment modalities, many of which carry significant risk or adverse effects, can make treating pediatric psoriasis and PsA a daunting task. This review attempts to define and consolidate the current state of knowledge with regards to this disease spectrum. The need for further clinical trials to investigate treatment options in the pediatric population is also discussed. [source] Aromatic l -amino acid decarboxylase deficiency associated with epilepsy mimicking non-epileptic involuntary movementsDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 11 2008Susumu Ito MD Aromatic l -amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare inborn error of neurotransmitter biosynthesis that leads to a combined deficiency of catecholamines and serotonin and is characterized by global developmental delay, involuntary movements, and autonomic dysfunction. We report the case of an 11-year-old male patient with AADC deficiency who also had epileptic spasms and generalized tonic seizures with asymmetrical features, in addition to frequent involuntary non-epileptic movements. The clinical manifestation of the epileptic attacks apparently resembled that of non-epileptic attacks. It was difficult to differentiate between both attacks without the help of an ictal electroencephalographic study. The epileptic attacks were finally controlled by appropriate antiepileptic drugs. Because an association with epileptic seizures is uncommon in AADC deficiency, some cases may have been regarded as involuntary non-epileptic movements. This indicates that the differentiation of epileptic attacks from non-epileptic ones is indispensable for the adequate treatment of patients with AADC deficiency. [source] Stroke in the developing brain and intractable epilepsy: effect of timing on hippocampal sclerosisDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 9 2003Waney Squier FRCP FRC Path A detailed study was made of the pathology of specimens removed by hemispherectomy for the treatment of intractable epilepsy in children with unilateral middle cerebral artery stroke. Neuropathological criteria were used to differentiate strokes that occurred in early intrauterine development (before 28 weeks gestational age) from those occurring in the last trimester, at birth, or after birth: 19 children had early strokes and 21 late. There was no difference in seizure history or occurrence of febrile convulsions in these two groups. Hippocampal tissue was available in 20 patients; pathology in the hippocampus, remote from the infarcted area, showed a marked difference between early-onset and late-onset groups. Hippocampal sclerosis was uncommon in children with early-onset strokes but developed in most of the children whose strokes were of later origin. However, hippocampal sclerosis was more closely related to a clinical history of a late initial precipitating insult irrespective of infarct timing. These findings demonstrate the changing vulnerability of the developing brain and show that hippocampal pathology is more closely related to the timing of an insult than seizure history or the occurrence of febrile convulsions. [source] Fine-needle aspiration diagnosis of a metastatic adult sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma in a lymph nodeDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2010Richard L. Cantley M.D. Abstract Adult sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (ASRMS) is a rare variant of rhabdomyosarcoma with a characteristic histological appearance of small, round cells in a dense, hyalinized stroma. Although nodal metastases of soft-tissue sarcomas are considered uncommon, up to 5% overall are associated with lymph node metastases. Nonetheless, there is little literature on the cytologic characteristics of metastatic soft-tissue sarcomas in lymph nodes, and to our knowledge, there are no reports of nodal metastasis of ASRMS diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. We report here a 55-year-old woman who presented with a right thigh mass and associated ipsilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of the mass revealed a uniform population of small, round cells in a dense, sclerotic background. A diagnosis of ASRMS was rendered. Subsequently, the patient underwent FNA of an enlarged inguinal lymph node, which revealed an identical population of small, round cells in a dense, myxoid background. This case highlights the cytologic features of a rare form of rhabdomyosarcoma, and emphasizes the utility of FNA in the assessment of lymphadenopathy in the setting of a soft-tissue sarcoma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:761,764. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Aspiration biopsy cytomorphology of primary pulmonary germ cell tumor metastatic to the brainDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2009Haitham Arabi M.D. Abstract Extragonadal germ cell tumors are uncommon and such tumors originating from the lung parenchyma are extremely rare. This is a case of 68-year-old female who was admitted with complaints of right-sided weakness, inability to maintain her balance, right-sided headache, and bloody sputum. Her workup revealed two enhancing brain lesions and large lung mass involving the left lower lobe. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the lung followed by craniotomy was performed and the patient was initially diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma metastatic to the brain based on the cytomorphology of the lung FNA and histology of the brain mass. However, retrospective investigation revealed markedly elevated alpha fetoprotein (AFP) of which the cytopathologist was unaware at the time of diagnosis. A review of the cytology and surgical specimen slides, as well as immunohistochemistry (IHC) on the brain tumor and FNA cell block were preformed. On the basis of the slides review, clinical findings, and immunostaining results, a diagnosis of primary pulmonary mixed germ cell tumor, containing choriocarcinoma and yolk sac elements, with brain metastases, was retrospectively made. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Synchronous metastases to the liver and pancreas from a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast diagnosed by fine-needle aspirationDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Maria McIntire M.D. Abstract Extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma is uncommon. Cases of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast have been reported, though rare. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman who underwent a mastectomy for breast carcinoma and presented three years later with synchronous masses in the head of the pancreas and liver. Fine-needle aspiration of both organs revealed a neuroendocrine carcinoma. The original breast tumor was reviewed and found to express neuroendocrine markers. A diagnosis of a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast was rendered. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:54,57. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The fine needle aspiration biopsy diagnostic criteria of proliferative breast lesions: A retrospective statistical analysis of criteria for papillomas and radial scar lesionsDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2007Andrew Field F.R.C.P.A. Abstract This study aimed to analyze statistically the accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy cytological criteria in diagnosing epithelial hyperplasia with atypia (EHA), papillary lesions (PAP), and radial scar/complex sclerosing lesions (RS/CSL). The 42 criteria studied were extracted from a literature review and those developed and used in our department. Cytological cases with diagnoses of EHA, PAP, and RS/CSL for the period of 1997,2001 were correlated with relevant histological follow-up and the positive predictive power of these diagnoses have been presented in an earlier publication. Some 77 cases with definite, specific histological diagnoses of atypia or a more severe lesion, PAP and RS/CSL, were reviewed and scored using 55 cytological criteria. As the group of EHA and RS/CSL yielded a smaller number of cases, these were grouped together in the statistical analysis and compared to PAP. The cytological features, which were most diagnostic for PAP, were stellate (Odds ratio 1.75) and meshwork (Odds ratio 3.29) tissue fragments, while the presence of tubular structures was inversely proportional to the histological outcome of PAP. True papillary fragments were uncommon and not statistically significant in diagnosing PAP of the breast. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:386,397. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Primary pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma with rhabdoid phenotype: Report and review of the literatureDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Anjali Saqi M.D. Abstract Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare malignant vascular tumor described in diverse locations including lung and liver. Relative to these sites, primary EHE of the serous cavities is uncommon. EHE in the serous cavities mimics mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma clinically, radiographically, cytologically, and histologically. EHEs have plasmacytoid epithelioid cells with cytoplasmic vacuoles. In addition to these features, we noted eccentric nuclei with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and nuclei displaced peripherally by globular cytoplasmic inclusions imparting a ,rhabdoid' phenotype. These cells were often seen surrounding a hyaline core. Rhabdoid features are not unique to a single entity, and a comprehensive immunohistochemical panel is essential. We report the occurrence of pleural EHE with rhabdoid features presenting in a pleural effusion, and review the literature of primary serosal EHEs. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:203,208. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cytology of pancreatic acinar cell carcinomaDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2006Edward B. Stelow M.D. Abstract Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is extremely uncommon and its cytologic features have rarely been described. We describe the cytologic features of cases we have seen, review the literature regarding its cytologic features and discuss the pitfalls that may be encountered and the use of immunohistochemistry for its diagnosis. We searched our databases for all cases of histologically confirmed pancreatic ACC which had undergone prior fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the primary pancreatic lesion. The clinical histories, radiographic and sonographic findings, cytologic features, original cytologic diagnoses, and final histologic diagnoses were reviewed. Four cases of pancreatic ACC were found that had undergone FNA prior to histologic confirmation of the diagnoses. They were from 2 men and 2 women aged 50,75 yr. All masses were in the head of the pancreas, 2 had apparent peri-pancreatic adenopathy and 1 had an apparent liver metastasis. On review, all 4 had had diagnostic material on cytology samples. Original cytologic diagnoses included "acinar cell carcinoma," "pancreatic endocrine tumor," "favor neuroendocrine tumor, low-grade" and "non-diagnostic specimen." The cytologic features included small to moderate-sized loose groups with numerous single cells, prominent acinar formation, little anisonucleosis and prominent nucleoli. The cytologic features showed significant overlap with those of pancreatic endocrine tumors. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2006; 34:367,372. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] MAGNIFYING COLONOSCOPY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF INFLAMMATORY CHANGES IN ULCERATIVE COLITISDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 3 2006Satoshi Sugano Background:, Endoscopic observation is the most effective method for the evaluation of staging in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, in cases with very mild inflammatory activity, histopathological diagnosis may also be required. Unfortunately, biopsy-related accidents are not uncommon. As an alternative, we have used a magnifying colonoscope commonly used for tumor diagnosis to examine in detail the colon mucosa of UC patients in clinical remission, and then compared these findings relative to conventional endoscopy using histopathological diagnosis. Subjects and Methods:, Among UC cases examined by colonoscopy between April 2000 and April 2005, 27 cases without hematochezia for at least 1 month were enrolled in this study. Following observations of inflammatory changes using conventional colonoscopy, magnifying observation and biopsies at a total of 144 sites were evaluated. Using histopathological standards, acute-phase inflammation was indicated by the presence of neutrophil infiltration, whereas chronic-phase inflammation was indicated by infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and eosinophils. Results:, Indicators of significant inflammation by conventional observation was erosion. Under magnification, inflammation appears as superficial defects in mucosa and small whitish spots. When the presence of infiltrating neutrophils was used as a positive histological marker for inflammation, there was no difference in the accuracy of diagnosis by conventional observation (95.1%) versus magnifying observation (97.2%). In contrast, when lymphocyte infiltration was used as a marker, the accuracy of diagnosis increased significantly (88.2%) using magnifying observation relative to conventional observation (61.1%). Conclusions:, Magnifying endoscopy can be used effectively in the evaluation of minute mucosal changes in cases of UC remission. [source] Redefining the role of lymphocytes in gastroesophageal reflux disease and eosinophilic esophagitisDISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 5 2010B. Basseri SUMMARY Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and reflux esophagitis (RE) overlap clinically and histologically. RE is characterized by epithelial infiltration with small numbers of neutrophils and eosinophils, EoE by a prominent eosinophilic infiltrate. Lymphocytic esophagitis (LE), a new entity characterized by peripapillary lymphocytosis, questions the role lymphocytes play in esophageal inflammation. We test the hypothesis that lymphocyte infiltration in RE differs from EoE. One blinded pathologist read esophageal biopsies from 39 RE and 39 EoE patients. Both groups demonstrated significant numbers of lymphocytes (RE 22.7 ± 2.2/HPF, EoE 19.8 ± 1.8/HPF). Eosinophils/HPF in RE and EoE were 2.8 ± 0.7 and 74.9 ± 8.2, respectively (P < 0.001). Neutrophils were uncommon in RE (0.26 ± 0.16/HPF) and EoE (0.09 ± 0.04; P = 0.07). Eight of the 39 RE specimens had ,50 lymphocytes in ,1 HPF. Two were consistent with LE. There was an inverse correlation between numbers of eosinophils and lymphocytes in EoE (R = ,0.47; P = 0.002), and no correlation between them in RE (R = 0.18; P = 0.36). The patients with EoE who used antireflux medications had fewer lymphocytes (16.3 ± 1.3 vs 22.2 ± 2.3/HPF; P = 0.030) and eosinophils (55.6 ± 5.2 vs 76.0 ± 8.7/HPF; P = 0.042) than those who did not. The pathological role of lymphocytes in RE and EoE may be underestimated. Our observation that 5% of the RE specimens meet histopathological criteria for LE potentially blurs the line between these entities. The observation that eosinophil counts are lower in EoE when antireflux meds are used supports the notion that reflux plays a role in the clinical expression of EoE. [source] Gastroesophageal reflux before and after Helicobacter pylori eradication.DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 4 2003A prospective study using ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH monitoring SUMMARY, The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of GERD before and after Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication utilizing 24-h esophageal pH/manometry studies. Helicobacter pylori status was confirmed by the Campylobacter like organism test. Those testing positive underwent 24-h pH/manometry followed by HP eradication therapy and urea breath test. Patients were followed up at 6 months and then at 1 year when they underwent a repeat 24-h pH/manometry. Twenty patients, 10 with non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and 10 with duodenal ulcer (DU) were enrolled, though only 10 patients attended for a repeat 24-h pH/manometry study. The patients were well matched, though patients with NUD had a significantly higher symptom score at entry compared with the DU group (8.5 vs 5.7, P < 0.05). The pH and esophageal manometry data were similar in the two groups. Overall nine patients (45%; DU = 5, NUD = 4) had evidence of GERD prior to HP eradication and it persisted one year after cure of the infection. The reflux disease occurred in the presence of normal LES pressure (mean 15.6 ± 3.3 mmHg). New onset GERD was uncommon after cure of HP infection, occurring in only one patient with NUD. Overall HP eradication had no impact on percentage of time pH < 4 (4.69 ± 3 vs 4.79 ± 3), episodes > 5 min (9.8 ± 16 vs 15.5 ± 25.3) and Johnson DeMeester Score (16.8 ± 7.5 vs 26.8 ± 18). In addition successful cure of HP produced no significant changes in LES pressure (17.9 ± 3.8 mmHg vs 19.3 ± 4.6 mmHg), and other esophageal manometry data. Half of HP-positive patients with NUD and DU have evidence of GERD before HP eradication. This persists after successful cure of the infection. New onset GERD occurs very uncommonly one year after HP eradication. [source] Rapid Occurrence of Giant Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm after Mitral Valve ReplacementECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 10 2008Sofiene Rekik M.D. Left ventricular pseudoaneurysms are an uncommon and frightening complication after mitral valve replacement. We report the case of a 54-year old woman, having undergone a mitral valve replacement with uneventful postoperative course and normal echocardiographic predischarge control, who was readmitted to hospital, only 16 days later, for rapidly progressing dyspnea, and finally echocardiographically diagnosed to have a massive 8-cm long pseudoaneurysm communicating with the left ventricle through a narrow communication. The patient was proposed for emergency surgery but unfortunately died preoperatively. [source] Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Air Embolism Associated with Central Venous Catheter Placement: Case Report and Review of the LiteratureECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2006Prasad Maddukuri M.D. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a valuable tool in the evaluation of patients with suspected air embolism. This report describes the presentation and evaluation of a critically ill woman with spontaneous air embolism occurring during a central venous catheter replacement. Bedside TTE established the diagnosis of air embolism, allowing prompt initiation of appropriate therapy. This case report highlights this uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of central line placement and the utility of echocardiography in its evaluation. [source] An Echocardiographic Analysis of the Long-Term Effects of Carvedilol on Left Ventricular Remodeling, Systolic Performance, and Ventricular Filling Patterns in Dilated CardiomyopathyECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 7 2005Peter S. Rahko M.D. Background: The long-term clinical benefit of beta blockade is well recognized, but data quantifying long-term effects of beta blockade on remodeling of the left ventricle (LV) is limited. Methods: This consecutive series evaluates the long-term response of the LV to the addition of carvedilol to conventional therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy. There were 33 patients who had a LV ejection fraction <45%, LV enlargement and symptomatic heart failure. Quantitative Doppler echocardiography was performed at baseline 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after initiation of carvedilol to evaluate LV ejection fraction, LV volume, wall stress, mass, regional function, and diastolic performance. Results: Compared to baseline there was a significant and sustained reduction in end-systolic volume and end-systolic wall stress with a corresponding improvement in LV ejection fraction. The LV mass did not decline but relative wall thickness increased toward normal. An analysis of regional wall motion responses showed an improvement in all areas, particularly the apical, septal, and lateral walls that was significantly more frequent in patients with a nonischemic etiology. Filling patterns of the LV remained abnormal throughout the study but changed with therapy suggesting a decline in filling pressures. These changes were sustained for 3 years. Conclusion: (1) The addition of carvedilol to conventional therapy for a dilated cardiomyopathy significantly improves LV ejection fraction and reduces LV end-systolic volume and wall stress for at least 3 years, (2) the response to 6 months of treatment predicts the long-term response, (3) the typical response is partial improvement of the LV, complete return to normal size, and function is uncommon, and (4) abnormalities of LV filling persist in virtually all patients throughout the course of treatment. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||