Evaluation of photodynamic therapy of skin cancers with δ-aminolevulinic acid

Objective To use δ-aminolevulinic acid induced photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) increasingly in treating skin cancers and other diseases in many countries and to explore the efficacy of ALA-PDT for skin cancers in China. Methods Eighty-eight patients, including 34 cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 32 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), two cases of basal-squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC), one case of verrucuous carcinoma, nine cases of Bowen disease, two cases Paget disease of the nipple and eight cases of extramammary Paget disease, were treated by the δ-aminolevulinic acid induced photodynamic therapy first in China from 1997 to 2000. ResultsAll BCC, including 11 cases of superficial lesions and 29 solid lesions, achieved complete reaction (CR) by 1-4 times of the ALA-PDT.Except one patient with adenoid SCC (grade Ⅲ), all SCC (grade Ⅰ and grade Ⅱ) patients achieved complete remission by 3-6 times of ALA-PDT.All Bowen diseases achieved complete reaction by 1-4 times.Although for Paget diseases it could not cure the disease simply by ALA-PDT, it could control the symptoms.The recurrence rates were 11% (4/34) for BCC, and 22% (7/32) for SCC by following up 1-3 years after the therapy.The continuous therapy is still effective. Conclusions ALA-PDT is an effective, non-traumatic treatment for patients with BCC, SCC, Bowen and Paget diseases.It is especially suitable for older and weaker patients or those who are not tolerable to other therapies.It also has a unique advantage for tumors in specific anatomical areas.It is a new alternative modality for skin cancer therapies.     

Clinical improvement in the therapy of aural keloids

Background Keloids have a predilection for the aural region because of the special shape of the pinna. It is difficult to resect keloids entirely and maintain a satisfactory pinnal shape. Surgical excision in combination with radiotherapy is considered to be the most efficacious treatment available for severe keloids. This study was conducted to evaluate the treatment of aural keloids with intralesional excision and immediate postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. Methods Forty-six patients with a combined total of 74 aural keloids were treated by intralesional excision and immediate postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. All patients received a total dose of 20 Gy in 10 consecutive days. The time interval between keloid excision and delivery of the first radiotherapy fraction was 〈24 hours in all cases. The median follow-up was 2.2 years. Results Twenty-nine patients with 48 keloids （64.9%） were highly satisfied with their outcome, and were rated as good by the surgeon. Six patients with 12 keloids （16.2%） showed general satisfaction but wanted aesthetic refinement, and these patients were rated as fair by the surgeon. Three patients with four keloids （5.4%） showed no evidence of recurrence after surgery, but disliked the result because of the discoloration and irregularity of the scar surface. These patients were rated as poor by the surgeon. Partial recurrence occurred in 8 patients with 10 keloids （13.5%）. No major complications were observed. Conclusion Intralesional excision and immediate postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy is well tolerated and very effective in Dreventing recurrence of aural region keloids.     

Twelve years’ experience and clinical results of using the radial artery for coronary revascularization

Background The radial artery （RA） is becoming a popular conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG）,yet data reporting the long-term results are rare.We reported our clinical,angiographic and intravascular ultrasound findings on 93 patients who had the RA used as part of the conduit for the CABG procedures during a 12-year period from June 2001 to June 2013.Methods A total of 118 radial artery conduits were harvested in 87 males and 6 females,age from 28 to 66 （mean 49.9） years.An ＂intra-operative Allen＇s test＂ was developed to safeguard blood supply to the arm and hand.A ＂double-clip ＆ scissors-cut＂ technique was carried out to minimize the thermal injury to the radial artery from the diathermy.The left radial artery was used in 67 patients,the right in one,and bilateral radial arteries in 25 patients.One hundred and twenty-two out of 272 distal anastomoses （44.9％） were constructed with radial arteries,with an average of 2.9 grafts per patient （range 2-6）.Results Follow-up angiography and intravascular ultrasound study at 3-139 postoperative months （mean 59 months） revealed a 93.1％ RA patency.String sign occurred in one patient in whom the RA was directed to a big right coronary artery with a stenosis of around 50％.The patency for the internal mammary artery was 96.4％.Conclusions The RA is an excellent conduit that broadens the options for total arterial CABG surgery.Good graft patency could be achieved through careful harvesting techniques and choice of proper target coronary vessels.     

Lipid signal in evaluation of intracranial meningiomas

Background Using magnetic resonance imaging, diagnosis of malignant meningioma from benign meningioma with atypical features is uncertain. We evaluated the value of lipid signal in differentiating intracranial meningiomas.
Methods ^1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy （MRS） using a point resolved spectroscopy （TR/TE 1000/144 ms） sequences were performed on 34 patients on a 3.0 T scanner. Lipid peak located at 1.3 ppm was evaluated. MRS data from these tumours were compared with histopathological findings （including hematoxylin and eosin staining and KP-1 staining）.
Results Twenty-nine meningiomas were histologically benign （eleven meningothelial, thirteen fibrous, four transitional and one microcystic）, three were atypical, and two were anaplastic. Lipid signal was detected in ten cases： two anaplastic three atypical, two fibrous and three rneningothelial meningiomas. All voxels with lipid peak in the spectrum from the tumour were evaluated. With creatinine peak in the normal white matter chosen as internal standard, lipid/creatinine ratios of anaplastic, atypical and benign meningiomas were 0.844±0.027 （range from 0.725 to 0.994）, 0.465±0.023 （range from 0.239 to 0.724）, and 0.373±0.016 （range from 0.172 to 0.571） respectively. Highly significant differences were noted between anaplastic and the other two subtypes. Patchy necrosis was observed in anaplastic meningioma, while focal necrosis was noted in atypical meningioma with HE stain. However, no necrosis was found in benign group. KP-1 stain demonstrated histocytes containing lipids in the necrotic region of anaplastic and atypical meningioma.
Conclusion The lipid signal at 1.3 ppm is a useful marker in evaluating the malignancy of intracranial meningiomas, especially in the differential diagnosis of anaplastic meningioma.     

Correlation between calcified liver metastases and histopathology of primary colorectal carcinoma in Chinese

The study examined the association between calcified liver metastases and the histopathology of the primary colorectal carcinoma in Chinese.The clinical,pathological and CT data were retrospectively analyzed in 210 patients (mean age:54.2 years) with liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma.Plain CT scanning and contrast-enhanced scanning were performed in all the patients.For the contrast-enhanced examination,iohexol was injected by using a high pressure syringe at a flow rate of 2.5-3.0 mL/s.The arterial phase lasted approximately 25 s and the portal venous phase about 60 s.All patients had no history of chronic liver diseases and had never received interventional treatments.χ 2-test was used to analyze the rate of calcification in the liver metastasis from colorectal cancer of different differentiation degrees.Among the 210 cases of liver metastases,22 patients (10.5%) were found to have calcified liver metastases on CT scan.Two patients with calcified liver metastasis received lumpectomy and developed calcification in recurrent tumors.Another two patients had calcification in newly developed tumor masses.And the calcification in the newly developed masses was similar to that of their primary counterparts in terms of morphology and distribution.On the enhanced CT scan,the tumors exhibited no enhancement during hepatic arterial phase and showed slight rim enhancement during portal venous scan in the 22 cases.The calcification became obscure on contrast-enhanced scans.Histopathologically,the primary tumors were well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in 6 cases,moderately-differentiated adenocarcinoma in 10,poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma in 4 and mucinous adenocarcinoma in 2 among the 22 cases.No statistical correlation was noted between the incidence of calcified liver metastasis and the pathological subtypes and differentiation degrees of the primary colorectal carcinoma.It was concluded that calcified liver metastases may result from colorectal adenocarcinomata of different differentiation degrees or muc     

Long-term impact of initial surgical and medical therapy on young patients with papillary thyroid cancer and bilateral cervical metastases

Background There are few reviews on the clinical features and prognosis of young patients with papillary thyroid cancer and bilateral cervical metastases. We have investigated the long-term impact of initial surgical and medical therapy on such patients. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 24 young patients （11 females and 13 males） with papillary thyroid cancer and bilateral cervical lymph node metastases, ranging in age from 11 to 20 years （mean age, 16.6 years）, who were treated in our institution from 1 January 1970 to 31 December 1985. Results All the patients in this group were followed up for 20 years. The survival of the patients at 20 years was 91.7%. The recurrence of local tumor and distant metastases was 20.8% and 12.5%, respectively. Based on analysis of the clinical data, we determined that the completeness of the surgical excision had a significant correlation with tumor recurrence. Conclusion These young patients with papillary thyroid cancer and cervical metastases have a good prognosis after suitable treatment.     

DNA repair genotypes and phenotypes and cancer susceptibility

The role of DNA repair in the etiology of cancers has been well illustrated in several hereditary syndromes, in which an inherited defect in DNA repair and related biological processes is associated with extraordinarily high incidence of cancer. For example, patients with xeroderma pigmentosum（XP） have germline mutations in genes involved nucleotide excision repair（NER） coupled with more than 1000-fold increased risk of UV-induced skin cancers. However, such associations between inherited DNA repair defect and risk of cancer have not been apparent in the general population.     

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder in the female: report of 14 cases

Background Bladder carcinoma is the most common malignant urological tumor in China. We present our preliminary experience and results of laparoscopic radical cystectomy （LRC） with orthotopic ileal neobladder in female patients with bladder carcinoma.
Methods From February 2003 to February 2008, 14 female patients with bladder carcinoma underwent LRC with orthotopic ileal neobladder. Nine of these patients underwent hysterectomy and ovariectomy, and the other 5 had preservation of the uterus and ovarian appendage. Standard bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy was followed by radical cystectomy that was completed laparoscopically with hysterectomy and ovariectomy when needed. The tumor was removed by a 4-5 cm lower midline abdominal incision, followed by the construction of ileal neobladder and the extracorporeal anastomosis of ureter-neobladder. The neobladder was anastomosed to the urethral stump under a laparoscope.
Results The mean operative time and blood loss in the 14 patients were 350.2 minutes and 349.8 ml, respectively. Postoperative complications included uretero-pouch anastomotic stricture in 1 patient and pouch-vaginal fistula in 1 patient. Follow-up time of all patients ranged from 3 to 60 months, and 12 patients were followed up for more than 6 months and achieved micturition in half a year. One patient had occasional day-time urinary incontinence and 2 had night-time incontinence. Two patients who had undergone hystectomy and ovariectomy had voiding difficulties after one year, which was treated by intermittent self-catheterization. The mean volume of the neobladder and the residual urine were 333.6 ml and 31.2 ml, respectively. Surgical margins were tumor free for all patients. One patient had bone metastasis and died 11 months after the operation.
Conclusions LRC with orthotopic ileal neobladder in female patients is a technically feasible, safe and mini-invasive procedure with a low morbidity and acceptable neobladder function. Long-term follow-up is required to confirm the neobladder func     

Glomerular Disease Associated with Takayasu Arteritis： 6 Cases Analysis and Review of the Literature

Objective To evaluate the clinical features, renal histopathology and therapeutic response to glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agents in patients with glomerular disease associated with Takayasu arteritis （TA）. Methods Patients with TA and renal biopsy-confirmed glomerular disease were investigated retrospectively. None of them had renal artery stenosis or occlusive changes.Results Six patients with glomerulopathy, accounting for 3.75% of the 160 TA patients admitted to our hospital at the same period, were analyzed. All of them were females with a mean age of 35.5 ± 10.0 years. Four cases presented with lower extremity edema. Laboratory tests showed that one was nephrotic syndrome, three were nephrotic range proteinuria, and two of them had mild renal dysfunction. The other two patients were asymptomatic microscopic hematuria and proteinuria. Renal pathology revealed mild immunoglobulin A nephropathy in two cases, mild mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis （GN）, membranoproliferative GN, minimal change disease, and fibrillary GN in one case respectively. Five cases received glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide therapy. Proteinuria and microscopic hematuria disappeared in 2 to 4 weeks after the initiation of therapy in three cases. The patient with membranoproliferative GN also reached complete remission of proteinuria and recovered renal function 6 months after the treatment. Conclusions TA may induce glomerular disease as a part of its histological spectrum. Apart from ischemic glomerular disease, glomerular disease should be suspected when TA patients have microscopic hematuria or proteinuria, that may be therapeutically responsive to glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agent in relative early phase.     

Preservation of the continence function after intersphincteric resection using a prolapsing technique in the patients with low rectal cancer and its clinical prognosis

Background The technique of intersphincteric resection of tumors combined with coloanal anastomosis has been used to avoid permanent colostomy for patients with a rectal cancer located 〈5 cm from the anal verge. This study aimed at assessing the preservation of continence function of the residual rectum and the clinical prognosis of patients with lower rectal cancer after intersphincteric resection using a prolapsing technique.
Methods This study included patients with the following inclusion criteria： （1） pathological evidence of rectal cancer and the tumors within distal margins located 5 cm or less from the anus by preoperative endoscopic examination; （2） no evidence by MRI of infiltration of either the external sphincter, puborectalis or the levator muscle; （3） the patients are eligible for intersphincteric resection and lower coloanal anastomosis with a preoperative biopsy showing the tumors with well-to-moderate differentiation. From January 2000 to June 2004, 23 patients with low rectal cancer were included in this study. We used the standard abdominoperineal approach to perform radical resection of tumors with excision of the mesorectum and total or part of the internal sphincters. The patients were followed for assessment of the function of the residual rectum and of cancer recurrence after the operations.
Results The median tumor distance from the anal margin was 4.5 （range 3.5-5.0） cm and the mean distal surgical margin 1.6 （range 1.0-2.0） cm. Cancer was classified into Stage Ⅰ （30.4%）, Stage Ⅱ （47.8%）, and Stage Ⅲ （21.7%） according to the TNM classification. Two patients developed anastomotic fistula after the surgical resection and 2 patients （8.7%） developed later stages of anastomotic stricture at the site of coloanal anastomosis. The median follow-up period was 31.5 months （range 12-54） and 2 patients （8.7%） developed local recurrence. Three deaths were associated with distal organ metastasis. Twenty patients （87.0%） have maintained com     

Protein found to promote DNA repair, prevent cancer

Background It is uncertain whether genotypes of Candida albicans （C. albicans） are associated with colonizing body locations or variant conditions of infection. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are significant associations between strain genotypes and body sites of infection and to determine the potential pathogenesis of cutaneous candidiasis at multiple locations. Methods A total of 151 strains of C. albicans were isolated from 74 infant patients with cutaneous candidiasis and 61 female patients with vaginal candidiasis. Patients were grouped according to the body sites and underlying conditions of infection. Genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction （PCR） of the 25S rDNA and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism （RFLP） of ALT repeats digested with EcoRI and Clal. Results Ten genotypes were detected. There were significant differences in genotype frequencies between the two groups. However, we found no clear association between genotypes and the sites of cutaneous infection or the underlying conditions of vaginal candidiasis （VVC）. In addition, strains of C. albicans from multiple cutaneous locations of the same patient had identical genotypes. Conclusions Populations of C. albicans from patients with cutaneous and vaginal candidiasis were genetically different. However, the lack of genetic difference between strains from different body sites with cutaneous infections or from different underlying conditions for VVC suggests no evidence of genotype selection for different skin surfaces or patients with different underlying conditions for VVC.     

Clinicopathological features of giant cell carcinoma of the pancreas

BACKGROUND: Giant cell carcinoma of the pancreas (GCCP) as a tumor of high malignancy, large size, and inflammatory reaction occupies 2.1%-12.8% of all cases of pancreatic malignancies. This study was to analyze cases of GCCP collected in 8 years at our hospital in an attempt to describe some features of GCCP in Chinese people. METHODS: The clinicopathological features of 19 patients who had been pathologically diagnosed as having GCCP from 1021 patients with pancreatic malignancies collected by Pancreatic Disease Research Group (PDRG) of Changhai Hospital were retrospectively analyzed compared with those of 96 patients with common pancreatic carcinoma (PC) who were randomly selected from 1002 patients with pancreatic carcinoma. The differences of location, clinical symptoms,     

Application of serum protein fingerprinting coupled with artificial neural network model in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma tends to present at a late clinical stage with poor prognosis. Therefore, it is urgent to explore and develop a simple, rapid diagnostic method, which has high sensitivity and specificity for hepatocellular carcinoma at an early stage. In this study, the serum proteins in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cirrhosis and in normal controls were analysed. Surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass (SELDI-TOF-MS) spectrometry was used to fingerprint serum protein using the protein chip technique and explore the value of the fingerprint, coupled with artificial neural network, to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods Of the 106 serum samples obtained, 52 were from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 22 from patients with liver cirrhosis and 32 from healthy volunteers. The samples were randomly assigned into a training group (n=70, 35 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 14 with liver cirrhosis, and 21 normal controls) and a testing group (n=36, 17 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 8 with liver cirrhosis, and 11 normal controls). An artificial neural network was trained on data from 70 individuals in the training group to develop an artificial neural network diagnostic model and this model was tested. The 36 sera in the testing group were analysed with blind prediction by using the same flowchart and procedure of data collection. The 36 serum protein spectra were clustered with the preset clustering method and the same mass/charge (M/Z) peak values as those in the training group.　 Matrix transfer was performed after data were output. Then the data were input into the previously built artificial neural network model to get the prediction value. The M/Z peaks of the samples with more than 2000 M/Z were normalized with biomarker wizard of ProteinChip Software version 3.1 for noise filtering. The first threshold for noise filtering was set at 5, and the second was set at 2. The 10% was the minimum threshold for clustering. The statistical analysis of the data of serum protein mass spectrum was performed in the groups (normal vs. hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver cirrhosis vs. hepatocellular carcinoma) with the t test. Results Comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and normal control: The mass spectra from 56 samples (hepatocellular carcinoma and normal controls) in the training group were analysed and 241 peaks were obtained. In addition, 21 peaks from them were used for comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and normal controls (P<0.01). Only 2 peaks at 3015 M/Z and 5900 M/Z were selected with significant difference ［P<10（-9）］. A model was developed based on these two proteins with different M/Z. It was confirmed that this artificial neural network model can be used for comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and normal controls. The sensitivity was 100% (17/17), and the specificity was 100% (11/11). Comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis: The mass spectra from 49 samples in the training group (including patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis) were analysed and 208 peaks were obtained. In addition, 21 peaks from them were used for comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis (P<0.01). Only 2 peaks at 7759 M/Z, 13134 M/Z were selected with significant difference ［P<10（-9）］. A model was developed based on these two proteins with dfferent M/Z. It was confirmed that this artificial neural network model can be used for comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis. The sensitivity was 88.2% (15/17), and the specificity was 100% (8/8).Conclusions The specific biomarkers selected with the SELDI technology could be used for early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.     

Two new human exocrine pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo.

Two human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines, PC-1 and PC-2, were established from nude mice xenografts derived from metastatic pancreatic carcinomas of two patients. The two cell lines propagated continuously in vitro over 19 and 19.5 months. The cells grow in a monolayered sheet with doubling times of 47 hours for PC-1 and 58 hours for PC-2. The cells exhibited epithelial morphology and were confirmed to be malignant epithelial cell lines by morphological study, CEA and cytokeratin immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and Con A test. The tumors caused by inoculation of cultured PC-1 and PC-2 into nude mice retained the histological and ultrastructural features of the original tumors. The findings proved that the two cell lines were human exocrine pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines. Chromosomal analysis together with flow cytometry data revealed that the two cell lines had the human aneuploid karyotypic features with model chromosome numbers of 48 and 66.

     

Syndrome of endemic arsenism and fluorosis. A clinical study.

Sixty-five patients in Xinjiang with syndrome of endemic arsenism and fluorosis (SEAF) were investigated clinically from March 1982 to August 1989. SEAF is a kind of chronic syndrome resulting from the combined, harmful effects of two trace elements, arsenic and fluorine. Peripheral neuritis and cardiovascular changes were observed in this syndrome more often than in simple arsenism or simple fluorosis. The excessive quantities of these two trace elements in blood might have a synergic, harmful effect on the nervous and circulatory systems. No definite conclusion could be reached with regard to the morbidity of skin and visceral tumors in this series. The incidence of associated skin cancer was found to be 7.7% and an associated Grade II squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus was encountered in one patient.

     

Effect of catheter radiofrequency ablation on C-reactive protein, brain natriuretic peptide and echocardiograph in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation

Background Radiofrequency catheter ablation （RFCA） for atrial fibrillation （AF） has developed rapidly,and is a commonly performed ablation in many major hospitals throughout the world,due to its satisfactory results.The aim of this study was to detect the effect of RFCA on C-reactive protein （CRP）,brain natriuretic peptide （BNP）,and echocardiograph in patients with persistent and permanent AF.Methods A total of 120 patients （71 males,mean age （50.8＆#177;12.0） years） with persistent and permanent AF undergoing RFCA under guidance of the Carto merge technique were studied.Left atrial diameter （LAD）,right atrial diameter （RAD）,left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）,CRP,and BNP were observed 3,6 and 12 months after RFCA and compared with results before RFCA.The recurrence of atrial arrhythmias was observed 3 and 12 months after the procedure.Results Compared with that before RFCA,LAD and RAD decreased and LVEF increased significantly after RFCA.Meanwhile,the levels of CRP and BNP were reduced significantly at 3,6,and 12 months after RFCA （P〈0.05）.In the non-recurrent patients,LVEF was increased significantly compared with the recurrent patients at 3,6,and 12 months after RFCA （P〈0.05）.CRP and BNP levels were decreased significantly in the non-recurrent patients compared with the recurrent patients at 3,6,and 12 months after RFCA （P〈0.05）.After one or two applications of RFCA,during a follow-up of 12 months,12 patients （10.0%） had AF,10 patients （8.3%） had atrial flutter,and 5 patients had atrial tachycardia （4.2%）.Conclusions Conversion of AF to sinus rhythm by RFCA,has been shown to reduce LA size and improve LVEF.It can also significantly decrease the levels of CRP and BNP in patients with persistent and permanent AF and reduce the risk of inflammation and developing heart failure.     

STAPHYLOCOCCAL SCALDED SKIN SYNDROME： RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 82 CASES

Objective To explore distinctive clinical manifestations and appropriate treatment, and assess prognosis of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome （SSSS）. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of the data of 82 cases of SSSS hospitalized at Xinhua Hospital during the period from May 1993 to September 2003. Results The disease in all the 82 patients occurred in their first decade （mean 2.5 years）. Possible predisposing factors were found in 48 （58. 5% ）. Fever was present in 78 （95. 1% ）. Radial spokes of crusting around mouth were present in 80 （ 97. 6% ）. Erythema began on the face, especially around the mouth and eye in 63 （ 76. 8% ）. The course was acute in all cases and the eruptions quickly spread to the whole body within one day to two days. Of the 82 cases of SSSS, 47 were complete form of SSSS, 27 were abortive form of SSSS, and 8 were between the two forms. Staphylococcus aureus with positive staphylocoagulase was isolated from the possible primary infection sites including pharynx, eyelid, conjunctiva, nose, ear, and skin in 18 of 31 patients. Microbiological cultures of bullae and little pustulae developed after the onset were negative in 16 cases. All the 82 patients completely recovered after receiving antibiotic therapy （ ceftriaxone, oxacillin） alone or in combination with human immunoglobulin （IVIG） therapy. Additional IVIG therapy was used in those patients who had systemic involvements such as pneumonia, fever higher than 38. 5℃ or leukocytosis. Conclusion SSSS is a spectrum disease. Besides abortive and complete forms, presenting between the two forms a new form might be appeared in 8 cases who developed both scarlatiniform rash and flaccid bullae. The abortive form and complete form are usually misdiagnosed clinically. Radial spokes of crusting around mouth seem to be characteristic manifestation of SSSS. All the patients in this study had favorable prognosis after receiving prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.     

KumaFix fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures: a prospective study on selective consecutive patients

Background Short-segment U-shaped pedicle screw fixation has been widely used to treat thoracolumbar burst fracture.Some studies have reported the disadvantages of traditional U-shaped pedicle screw,which included a relatively high rate of adjacent segment degeneration and screw failure,including screw pullout and breakage.The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of open reduction and fixation using KumaFix fixation system in treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.Methods From June 2011 to June 2012,45 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures were enrolled.They were randomly assigned to treatment with KumaFix （the treatment group,n=23） or traditional U-shaped pedicle screw （the control group,n=22）.The patients were followed up postoperatively and were assessed with regard to radiologic and clinical outcomes.Radiologic outcomes were assessed mainly on the basis of Cobb angle and vertebral wedge angle.Clinical outcomes were evaluated mainly with use of Visual Analog Scale （VAS） for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index （ODI） Questionnaire.Results All patients were followed up from 9 to 22 months.There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to preoperative indices.The operation time in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group.Preoperative Cobb angles and vertebral wedge angles in two groups were significantly decreased after surgery,and these have been well maintained at the last follow-up with mild correction losses.The results of clinical outcome showed lower VAS and ODI scores in two groups compared with those preoperative,and the treatment group had greater improvement on the ODI compared with the control group at the last follow-up.Conclusions Compared with traditional U-shaped pedicle screw,KumaFix fixation system can achieve gradual,controlled reduction,provide enough space for bone implantation,and avoid acceleration of adjacent segment degeneration.It is an effective and reliable technique to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures.     

Diagnosis and treatment of cavernous sinus neurinoma

Objective To study the diagnosis and microneuro-smgical treatment of cavernous sinus neurinoma. Methods Twenty-two patients with cavernous sinus neurinoma which had diagnosed by MRI were operated on by microsurgery. Fourteen patients received excision of tumor through frontotemporal approach with zygomatic osteotomy and, 8 patients via subtemporal and suboccipital transtentorial approaches. Results Total resection was achieved in 21 patients (95.5%),and subtotal resection in 1.There was no operative death. The all operative samples were confirmed neurinoma pathohistologically. The symptoms postoperation such as headache and exophthalmos were reduced. Three months after operation, the function of the 6th nerve was improved in 12 of 19 patients with paresis of the 6th nerve. One patient with hemiplegia recovered well. The function of the 3th nerve recovered in 4 of 6 patients with recurrent paresis of the 3th nerve. Those patients with hydrocephalus were improved after operation. The patients were follow