Novel noninvasive detection method for endometriosis: research and development of scintigraphic survey on endometrial implants in rats

In this experimental study on endometriosis, the majority of the implants were successfully detected with technetium-(99mTc) labeled red blood cell scintigraphy.     

Cerebro-facio-thoracic dysplasia: expanding the phenotype

We report a further two patients with cerebro-facio-thoracic dysplasia, a rare autosomal recessive condition with thoracic costovertebral dysplasia, developmental delay and characteristic facial features. One of our patients has the additional features of large, bilateral colobomas of the optic nerve, ptosis, small conical teeth and severe left-sided talipes. He also has hypermobile joints, especially in his hands and anterior subluxation of the shoulders. The second patient has hypodensity of the grey matter on magnetic resonance imaging, which is the second report of this finding in cerebro-facio-thoracic dysplasia. In addition, he has hypoplasia of the corpus callosum. These cases illustrate the expanding phenotype of this condition, and support the hypothesis that this is an autosomal recessive condition.     

Incremental value of live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography over the two‐dimensional technique in the assessment of a tuberculoma involving the left atrium and appendage

Intracardiac tuberculomas are extremely rare, and cardiac involvement in tuberculosis accounts for only 0.5% of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We report for the first time incremental value of live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography over two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of a tuberculoma involving the left atrium and left atrial appendage.     

Large Lipomatous Hypertrophy of the Interventricular Septum

We present the case of a 58-year-old woman who had large lipomatous hypertrophy of the interventricular septum, a condition that is reported very infrequently. Preoperative cardiac magnetic resonance images revealed an inhomogeneous, infiltrating mass that was suppressed in fat-suppression mode. The extensive mass was causing right ventricular dysfunction, so we excised it through a right ventricular approach. The findings on histologic analysis of the mass were consistent with lipomatous hypertrophy. The patient died of septic shock on the 28th postoperative day. In addition to the patient''s case, we discuss the characteristics and diagnosis of this rare entity.     

Distinct responses of Gulf of Mexico phytoplankton communities to crude oil and the dispersant corexit® Ec9500A under different nutrient regimes

This study examines the potential effects of exposure to South Louisiana sweet crude oil (LSC), Corexit^® EC9500A, and dispersed oil on enclosed phytoplankton communities under different nutrient regimes. Three distinct microcosm experiments were conducted for 10 days to assess changes to the structure of natural communities from the Gulf of Mexico as quantified by temporal changes in the biomasses of different phytoplankton groups. Concentration of NO₃, Si and PO₄ were 0.83, 0.99 and 0.09 μM for the unenriched treatments and 14.07, 13.01 and 0.94 μM for the enriched treatments, respectively. Overall, the contaminants LSC and Corexit^® EC9500A led to a decrease in the number of sensitive species and an increase in more resistant species. Phytoplankton communities showed more sensitivity to LSC under nutrient-limited conditions. The addition of nutrients to initially nutrient-limited treatments lessened the inhibitory effect of LSC in the short term. Centric diatoms benefited most from this enrichment, but pennate diatoms demonstrated considerably greater tolerance to crude oil at low crude oil concentrations in nutrient-enriched treatments. Dinoflagellates showed relatively higher tolerance in nutrient-limited treatments and high crude oil concentrations. Corexit^® EC9500A inputs significantly increased the toxicity of crude oil. Corexit^® EC9500A alone had a highly inhibitory effect at 63 ppm on phytoplankton communities. This study highlights the fact that different nutrient regimes play a major role in determining the shifts of the phytoplankton community in response to exposure to different concentrations of crude oil and dispersant. Determination of the functional equivalence of shifted phytoplankton groups could complement our research and allow for more pertinent extrapolation to real world conditions.     

Recurrent Left Ventricular Apical Ballooning Syndrome in a Patient with Pheochromocytoma

Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome is characterized by reversible left ventricular wall motion abnormalities, chest pain or dyspnea, ST-segment elevation, and mild elevation of cardiac enzyme levels in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. The pathophysiology of the syndrome is still unknown. The probable mechanism is supposed to be a catecholamine discharge. We report the case of a 66-year-old woman with recently diagnosed pheochromocytoma who presented with chest pain and ST-segment elevation. Coronary angiography revealed normal coronaries and apical dyskinesia at ventriculography. A similar episode of chest pain occurred 4 years ago with same angiographic findings and reversible inferobasal akinesia. In-hospital course was uneventful and the patient was discharged from the hospital 4 days later with treatment of aspirin 1 × 100 mg, metoprolol 1 × 50 mg, lisinopril 1 × 10 mg, and atorvastatin 1 × 20 mg. At 2 years follow-up after the event, the patient remained asymptomatic.     

Delineation of an Octopus‐Like Thrombus Attached to the Eustachian Valve

Eustachian valve (EV) is a vestige of the valve of the inferior vena cava which directs the umbilical vein blood through open foramen ovale in fetal life. Following birth it gradually regresses, but it may persist in variable size, shape, and thickness as a functionless and benign structure. However, there are reports suggesting that persistent EV may not be completely innocent. It has been accused of being a predisposing cause of patent foramen ovale and paradoxical embolism and also interfering with transseptal interventional procedures. It may serve as a site of infective vegetations and be mistaken as a tumor or thrombus. In the present case, an octopus‐like thrombus attached to the EV was delineated with the utility of two‐dimensional and real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. EV was considered to play an essential role in preventing potential pulmonary embolism.     

Application of Rhenium-186 Radiosynovectomy in Elbow Diffuse Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis. - A Case Report with Multiple Joint Involvement

After surgical therapy of diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (DPVNS), recurrence is seen in almost half of the patients. The effectiveness of radiosynovectomy (RSV) in preventing recurrence and complaints of DPVNS is well known. Elbow involvement in DPVNS is a very rare condition; therefore, RSV in elbow hasn’t been experienced widely. The aim of this case report is to show the effectiveness of RSV with rhenium-186 (Re-186) sulfide colloid. We applied Re-186 sulfide colloid to the elbow joint of DPVNS patients six weeks after arthroscopic synovectomy. As a result, the patient did not have any complaints, and our findings are compatible with residue or recurrence on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in sixth and twentieth month controls after administration. We concluded that Re-186 is an effective adjuvant therapy for the prevention of recurrence and complaints.