Sinonasal Tract Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Ex-Pleomorphic Adenoma: A Clinicopathologic and Immunophenotypic Study of 9 Cases Combined with a Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Primary sinonasal tract carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CEPA) is very uncommon, with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) CEPA exceptional. These tumors are often misclassified. This is a retrospective study. Nine cases of ACC CEPA included 7 females and 2 males, aged 39–64 years (mean, 51.1 years). Patients presented most frequently with obstructive symptoms (n = 5), epistaxis (n = 3), nerve changes or pain (n = 3), present for a mean of 25 months (men: 9.5 versus women: 29.4 months; p = 0.264). The tumors involved the nasal cavity alone (n = 5), nasopharynx (n = 2), or a combination of locations (n = 2) with a mean size of 2.9 cm (females: 3.3; males: 1.7; p = 0.064). Most patients presented at a low clinical stage (n = 7, stage I), with one patient each in stage II and IV, respectively. Histologically, the tumors showed foci of PA associated with areas of ACC. Tumors showed invasion (lymph-vascular: n = 4; perineural: n = 6; bone: n = 6). The neoplastic cells were arranged in tubules, cribriform and solid patterns, with peg-shaped cells arranged around reduplicated basement membrane and glycosaminoglycan material. Mitoses ranged from 0 to 33, with a mean of 8.7 mitoses/10 HPFs. Necrosis (n = 2) and atypical mitotic figures (n = 1) were seen infrequently. Immunohistochemical studies showed positive reactions for cytokeratin, CK5/6, p63, CK7, EMA, SMA, calponin, S100 protein and CD117, several highlighting luminal versus basal cells components. GFAP, CK20 and MSA were non-reactive. p53 and Ki-67 were reactive to a variable degree. Surgery (n = 8), accompanied by radiation therapy (n = 5) was generally employed. Five patients developed a recurrence, all of whom died with disease (mean, 8.4 years), while 4 patients are either alive (n = 2) or had died (n = 2) without evidence of disease (mean, 15.9 years). In summary, ACC CEPA probably arises from the minor mucoserous glands of the upper aerodigestive tract, usually presenting in patients in middle age with obstructive symptoms in a nasal cavity based tumor. Most patients present with low stage disease (stage I and II), although invasive growth is common. Recurrences develop in about a 55 % of patients, who experience a shorter survival (mean, 8.4 years) than patients without recurrences (mean, 15.9 years). The following parameters, when present, suggest an increased incidence of recurrence or dying with disease: bone invasion, lymph-vascular invasion, and perineural invasion.     

Foreign-body granuloma mimicking an extrahepatically growing liver tumor: Report of a case

We herein describe a 74-year-old woman with a foreign-body granuloma mimicking a liver tumor. Imaging studies revealed a pedunculated left lobe mass in the setting of chronic liver disease. She had a past history of a cholecystectomy as well as a previous gynecological operation. A left lateral segmentectomy was performed because of the possibility of a rupture. The dissected specimen showed a foreign-body granuloma caused by gauze. We believe this case to be a very unique granuloma, which should be kept in mind whenever making a diagnosis of a liver tumor particularly in a patient with chronic liver disease, who has a past history of abdominal surgery.     

Breast abscess after intravenous methamphetamine injection into the breast

Intravenous drug use is a problem plaguing our society. We present a case of a young female who injected methamphetamine into her mammary vein, resulting in the formation of a breast abscess. This case demonstrates a rare but dangerous complication of intravenous drug use and a possible differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with a breast abscess.     

Repair of a recurrent rectovaginal fistula using gluteal-fold flap: Report of a case

Various surgical procedures have been reported for the repair of a rectovaginal fistula, but a failure of the initial repair leads to difficulty in the second and later operations. This report presents the case of a 58-year-old woman with a recurrent rectovaginal fistula after a low anterior resection for rectal cancer who achieved a good outcome following a repair using a gluteal-fold flap. We therefore conclude that the transfer of a well-vascularized gluteal-fold flap may be a safe and reliable method to repair a rectovaginal fistula with a large diameter following repeated recurrence.     

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach in a child with a 3-year follow-up period-Case report

We report a case of a nine-year-old boy with a 4-week history of general fatigue, loss of appetite, vomits and hematemesis. Laboratory evaluation revealed a hemoglobin level of 4.4 g/dl. After a transfusion of packed red blood cells the patient underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which showed a smooth, rounded 6–8 cm submucosal lesion with a central depression with ulceration and active bleeding in the cardia extending to the fundus.Computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen and pelvis showed a large mass originating from the gastric wall but not infiltrating surrounding organs, approximately 8.0 cm × 7.0 cm × 5 cm. Despite the tumor size, no metastases were diagnosed. The patient underwent a total gastrectomy in an en-bloc resection including the distal part of the esophagus (3 cm) and omentum with oncologic margins. Reconstruction was performed with a mediastinal end-to-side esophago-jejunal anastomosis. Immunehistochemic confirmed GIST. He remains well without evidence of disease after 36 months of follow-up with a multiprofessional team.     

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver (IPL) is a rare benign neoplasm. It often masquerades as a malignancy, either primary or metastatic. We describe the case of a 71-year-old man who presented with fever and malaise. Workup revealed a cecal mass, as well as a lesion in the left lobe of the liver. Pathologic examination showed a cecal neoplasm and a hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor. The patient recovered uneventfully. This case highlights the ability of IPL to masquerade as a malignant hepatic neoplasm, and emphasizes the difficulties in diagnosis.     

Endonasal Ethmoidectomy and Bifrontal Craniotomy with Craniofacial Approach for Resection of Frontoethmoidal Osteoma Causing Tension Pneumocephalus

Tension pneumocephalus is an unusual, potentially life-threatening complication of frontal fossa tumors. We present an uncommon case of a frontoethmoidal osteoma causing a tension pneumocephalus and neurological deterioration prompting a combined endonasal ethmoidectomy and bifrontal craniotomy with craniofacial approach for resection. A 68-year-old man presented with a 1-week history of worsening headache, slowness of speech, and increasing confusion. Standard computed tomography scan revealed a marked tension pneumocephalus with ventricular air and 1-cm midline shift to the right. Further studies showed a calcified left ethmoid mass and a left anterior cranial-base defect. A team composed of neurosurgery and otolaryngology performed a combined endonasal ethmoidectomy and bifrontal craniotomy with craniofacial approach to resect a large frontoethmoid bony tumor. No abscess or mucocele was identified. The skull base defect was repaired with the aid of a transnasal endoscopy, a titanium mesh, and a pedunculated pericranial flap. Postoperatively, the pneumocephalus and the patient's symptoms completely resolved. Pathology was consistent with a benign osteoma. This is an uncommon case of a frontoethmoidal osteoma associated with tension pneumocephalus. Recognition of this entity and timely diagnosis and treatment, consisting of an endonasal ethmoidectomy and a bifrontal craniotomy with craniofacial approach, may prevent potential life-threatening complications.     

Titanium elastic nail in femur fractures as an alternative to spica cast in preschoolers

Purpose

Titanium elastic nail (TEN) as an alternative to traction and spica cast in preschool children has not been widely studied for its safety and effectiveness.

Methods

A cohort of 59 children with 59 fractures (non-pathological; not involving condyles or cervicotrochanteric area) were retrospectively examined. Their mean age was 4.5 ± 0.9 years and their mean weight was 14.5 ± 3.7 kg. All but five were closed (21 transverse, 19 oblique and 19 spiral). Thirty-five were caused by motor vehicle accidents and 24 by falls. There were six upper third, 27 upper-middle junction, 14 middle third, seven lower-middle junction, and five lower third fractures.

Results

The mean follow-up was 41.8 ± 4.3 months, the mean hospital stay was 1.3 ± 0.87 days, and the mean time to nail removal was 20.3 ± 10.2 weeks. The mean time to union was 7.6 ± 1.5 weeks. Union was significantly correlated to age (p = 0.000) and fracture shape (p = 0.005), but not to the fracture level, nature, or mechanism. Shortening of ≥1.0 cm occurred in two cases (3.4 %), with an overall mean of 0.06 ± 0.21 cm. Shortening was significantly correlated to the fracture shape (p = 0.020), but not to the level. Overgrowth of ≥1 cm occurred in seven cases (11.9 %), with an overall mean of 0.22 ± 0.41 cm. Overgrowth was insignificantly correlated to the fracture level and shape. Frontal angulation of 5–9º occurred in six cases (10.2 %) and sagittal angulation of 3–7º occurred in seven cases (11.9 %). A rotational deformity of 10º occurred in two cases (3.4 %). Five cases had a painful nail end (8.5 %) and exteriorization with superficial infection occurred in two cases (3.4 %).

Conclusion

TEN is a dependable, safe, and cost-effective alternative to traction and cast in preschool children.     

Hernioplastia inguinal electiva en pacientes con anticoagulación oral. ¿Son candidatos a cirugía ambulatoria?

Background

Perioperative management of patients on anticoagulant therapy increases the complexity of elective inguinal hernia repair. We assessed the safety of our standardised anticoagulation protocol and investigated the outpatient and one day surgery rates.

Material and methods

The records of 1184 patients undergoing elective inguinal hernioplasty between 2005 and 2007 were reviewed; 14 patients on chronic anticoagulation therapy were identified. We used a standard bridging therapy protocol with low-molecular-weight heparins. Outcomes were assessed at 30 days post-procedure and included bleeding, thromboembolic events or death and type of hospital admission.

Results

Mean age was 74±10 years; 12 (25%) patients were high risk for thromboembolism and 31 (67%) patients were ASA III. Almost all inguinal repairs were performed using a polypropylene mesh; 6 (13%) patients had a surgical site haematoma and there was 1 (2.7%) major bleeding, that was re-operated on. No thromboembolic events or deaths occurred; 11 (23%) patients were treated on an outpatient basis and 16 (34%) on a one day surgery regimen. Mean hospital stay was 2.4±5.1 days.

Conclusions

Elective inguinal hernioplasty in patients on chronic oral anticoagulation therapy using a standard bridging protocol is a safe procedure. Chronic anticoagulation therapy is not a contraindication for ambulatory surgery.     

An isolated digital lipoblastoma

Abstract

This report presents a girl with a lipoblastoma of a finger presenting as a macrodactyly. Documented inflammation of the digit at birth raises suspicion of neo-adipogenesis, which is recognised in lipomas. This case highlights a rare site for lipoblastomas and explores a potential aetiopathogenesis.     

Common bile duct stones: an unusual case of diarrhoea through a mucous fistula

We present a very unusual case of diarrhoea in a 77-year-old man. He had a previously complicated surgical history, with a loop ileostomy and a colonic mucous fistula. He developed a sudden onset of diarrhoea from his mucous fistula. A contrast enema suggested a cholecystocolonic fistula and subsequent computed tomography demonstrated a common bile duct stone caused a degree of obstruction. The patient was treated successfully by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and stone extraction. This case demonstrated the role that contrast enema may still play in unusual cases of diarrhoea.     

Establishment of parameters for congenital stenosis of the cervical spine: an anatomic descriptive analysis of 1066 cadaveric specimens

Purpose

Congenital cervical stenosis (CCS) occurs when the bony anatomy of the cervical canal is smaller than expected in the general population predisposing an individual to symptomatic neural compression. No studies have defined CCS based on the normal population. The diagnosis is currently made based on clinical impression from radiographic studies. The aim of this study is to establish parameters that are associated with CCS, based on anatomic measurements on a large sample of skeletal specimens.

Methods

From the Hamann-Todd collection at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1,066 skeletal specimens were selected. Digital calipers were used to measure the sagittal canal diameter (SCD), interpedicular distance (IPD), and pedicle length. Canal area at each level was calculated using a geometric formula. A standard distribution was created and values that were 2 SD below mean were considered as congenitally stenotic. An analysis of deviance was performed to identify parameters that were associated with CCS. Regression analysis was used to determine odds ratios (OR) for CCS using these parameters.

Results

CCS was defined at each level as: C3/4 = 1.82 cm², C4/5 = 1.80 cm², C5/6 = 1.84 cm², C6/7 = 1.89 cm², C7/T1 = 1.88 cm². Values of SCD < 13 mm and IPD < 22.5 mm were associated with CCS and yielded sensitivities and specificities of 88–100 % at each level. Logistic regression demonstrated a significant association between these parameters and presence of CCS with OR > 18 at each level.

Conclusions

Based on our study of a large population of adult skeletal specimens, we have defined CCS at each level. Values of SCD < 13 mm and IPD < 23 mm are strongly associated with the presence of CCS at all levels.     

A “closed fracture” with a neighbouring venous ulcer

This is a case report of a 57-year-old lady that sustained a fracture of her distal tibia and fibula. In close proximity to the fracture was a chronic venous ulcer. She was treated as a closed fracture with an intramedullary nail and subsequently developed an infection, requiring further surgery, a prolonged course of antibiotics and 3 months stay in hospital in an attempt to save her leg. Any soft tissue defect close to a fracture should be treated as a source of contamination and infection and should be treated accordingly to avoid significant complications.     

Failed gastroplasty for morbid obesity. Revised gastroplasty versus Roux-Y gastric bypass

Forty-six percent of 122 gastroplasties for morbid obesity failed. This included a failure rate of 71 percent for a single staple line without stomal reinforcement, 37 percent for a double staple line and a central stoma reinforced with 2-0 polypropylene, and 42 percent for the Gomez gastroplasty. Revisional procedures were performed in 44 patients. Ten underwent revision of a failed gastroplasty using a gastrogastrostomy and 34 had conversion to a Roux-Y gastric bypass. Patients who had revisional gastroplasty as a second procedure had a significantly higher failure and complication rate than those converted to gastric bypass. Four of these 10 patients were subsequently converted to gastric bypass as their third weight reduction procedure. Conversion of a failed gastroplasty to a Roux-Y gastric bypass is a difficult procedure that carried a significantly higher complication rate in our study than that of a group of 46 patients who underwent a primary gastric bypass procedure. Of 26 patients followed for more than 1 year after conversion to Roux-Y gastric bypass, the average weight loss was 66 +/- 18 percent of their excess body weight. This was comparable to 16 patients who had undergone a primary gastric bypass more than 1 year previously and had lost 69 +/- 17 percent of their excess body weight.     

The association between a lifetime history of a neck injury in a motor vehicle collision and future neck pain: a population-based cohort study

The objective of this population-based cohort study was to investigate the association between a lifetime history of neck injury from a motor vehicle collision and the development of troublesome neck pain. The current evidence suggests that individuals with a history of neck injury in a traffic collision are more likely to experience future neck pain. However, these results may suffer from residual confounding. Therefore, there is a need to test this association in a large population-based cohort with adequate control of known confounders. We formed a cohort of 919 randomly sampled Saskatchewan adults with no or mild neck pain in September 1995. At baseline, participants were asked if they ever injured their neck in a motor vehicle collision. Six and twelve months later, we asked about the presence of troublesome neck pain (grade II–IV) on the chronic pain grade questionnaire. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate the association between a lifetime history of neck injury in a motor vehicle collision and the onset of troublesome neck pain while controlling for known confounders. The follow-up rate was 73.5% (676/919) at 6 months and 63.1% (580/919) at 1 year. We found a positive association between a history of neck injury in a motor vehicle collision and the onset of troublesome neck pain after controlling for bodily pain and body mass index (adjusted HRR = 2.14; 95% CI 1.12–4.10). Our analysis suggests that a history of neck injury in a motor vehicle collision is a risk factor for developing future troublesome neck pain. The consequences of a neck injury in a motor vehicle collision can have long lasting effects and predispose individuals to experience recurrent episodes of neck pain.     

The press-fit concept: an effective but demanding concept!

The press-fit, often mentioned as a means to ensure the primary stability of a cementless implant, is in fact a badly known concept and this explains a lack of rigour during its practical application. A true press-fit effect can only be obtained on a short distance after careful preparation of the femur and a perfect wedging of the implant at the level of the area of anchorage. This concept also requires the choice of an implant having specific characteristics: a straight femoral stem having a conical configuration constitutes a good compromise specially if the stem has a quadrangular section or if it is equipped with longitudinal fins which can efficiently control any rotational constraints and reduce the rigidity of the bone/implant couple. Modularity is not a concept that can ensure primary stability of a cementless implant; nevertheless, it remains an excellent means to obtain a true press-fit effect especially if the modularity concerns implants and ancillary materials.     

Development of the tibiofemoral angle in a cohort of Nigerian children during the first 3 years of life

Purpose

Findings from cross-sectional studies of knee angle development in Nigerian children vary in values and in the age at which the varus angle changes to the valgus angle. This study was conducted to describe knee angle development and to determine the age when the knee angle changes from the varus to the valgus angle.

Methods

This was a longitudinal survey of 152 Nigerian children recruited within 3 weeks of life and followed up monthly until age 3 years. Their knee angle was measured using clinical methods.

Results

The mean tibio-femoral/varus knee angle (13.2 ± 3.8°) at birth–3 weeks of life decreased sharply to 5.6 ± 0.7° at 9 months, increased slightly to 6.3 ± 1.1° at 13 months, and then decreased again up to age 18 months (0.3 ± 2.1°). The mean valgus knee angle increased from −2.4 ± 2.5° at 19 months of life to −8.5 ± 2.5° at 27 months and then decreased to −7.7 ± 2.2° at 36 months. Intercondylar/intermalleolar distances (ICD/IMD) showed a similar pattern, changing from an extreme varus knee (ICD) at birth–3 weeks of life (2.5 ± 0.7 cm), decreasing to 0.6 ± 0.2 cm at 9 months, increasing to 0.8 ± 0.5 cm at 12 months, and decreasing to 0.1 ± 0.4 cm at 15 months. The mean IMD increased from −0.1 ± 0.8 cm at 16 months of life to −2.0 ± 1.5 cm at 29 months and then decreased up to 36 months. Our tri-modal analysis showed that the transition from the varus to the valgus angle was between 18 and 19 months.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the developmental pattern of the knee angle in Nigerian children is at maximal varus at birth, neutral at 18 months of life, and valgus at 19 months, with the valgus angle continuing to increase up to 36 months.     

All-inside meniscal repair surgery: factors affecting the outcome

BackgroundMeniscal injury is currently a well-recognized source of knee dysfunction. While it would be ideal to repair all meniscus tears, the failure rate is significantly high, although it may be reduced by careful selection of the patients. Our objective was to assess the outcome of meniscal repair surgery and the role of simultaneous reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).Results136 Meniscal repairs were performed in 122 patients with a mean age of 26.8 years. Mean follow-up duration was 9 months. 63 % of the patients underwent medial and 37 % underwent lateral meniscal repair, with failure rates of 19 % for medial and 12 % for lateral menisci. Ligament injuries were found in 61 % of the patients (n = 83). Failure of meniscal repair occurred in 14.5 % (n = 12) of the patients who had early ACL reconstruction and in 27 % (n = 22) of the patients who had delayed ACL reconstruction (p = 0.0006). The failure rate was found to be 13 % in patients who were younger than 25 years (61 %) and 15 % in patients who were older than 25 years (39 %).ConclusionThe success rate of meniscal repair was found to be significantly better when ACL reconstruction was performed simultaneously with meniscal repair.

Level of evidence

Level IV.     

The treatment of high tibial osteotomy non-union with the Ilizarov external fixator

To evaluate the results of the Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of non-union post–high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Five non-unions, in four patients, following HTO were treated by Ilizarov fixation. Clinical outcome was assessed pre- and post-operatively by the Knee Society Clinical Rating System (KSCRS). Radiological analysis assessed bone healing pre- and post-operatively and measured proximal tibial alignment. All cases healed with a mean time of 25 ± 3 weeks (Mean ± SD) (range, 24–30 weeks) in the fixator. The clinical and radiological outcome improved in all cases. Four knees were initially in excessive varus and underwent correction of alignment, as measured by medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), from 75.5° ± 8.4° (mean ± SD) to 90.2° ±  2.7° (normal range, 85°–90°). One patient was in excessive valgus and had a correction of MPTA from 100° to 87°. The KSCRS knee score improved from 35.6 ± 10.8 to 86.6 ± 13.9 (mean ± SD) (normal score = 100) and the functional score from 37.8 ± 11.8 to 85.4 ± 10.5 (mean ± SD) (normal score = 100). The Ilizarov technique is a minimally invasive method that produces excellent clinical, radiological and functional outcomes.