Effectiveness of low flow vascular lesions sclerosis with monoethanolamine: report of six cases

Vascular malformations or even hemangiomas need therapeutic intervention if they start to cause clinical symptoms or personal discomfort. Different therapeutic modalities, including cryotherapy, corticosteroids, laser therapy, sclerotherapy, surgery, and/or embolization, can be performed successfully. Sclerotherapy with monoethanolamine is a relatively simple and effective method to treat low flow vascular lesions. We presented a report of six cases of vascular malformations treated with monoethanolamine. There were 3 male and 3 female patients, with an age range of 20 to 68 years. The patients were submitted to applications according to clinical response and/or tolerability. In all cases, low-flow vascular lesions were recorded and submitted to infiltration with 2.5% monoethanolamine, directly into the lesions. The volume applied was approximately the middle of affected area. Vascular lesions were characterized as low-flow due to absence of arterial pulsation and flat consistence. The sclerosis with 2.5% monoethanolamine resulted in complete or partial involution, without severe complications.     

CYP2C19*2 and prognosis after an acute coronary syndrome: Insights from a Portuguese center

BackgroundClopidogrel requires oxidation dependent on the cytochrome P450 enzyme 2C19 (CYP2C19) to form its active metabolite. The importance of loss-of-function alleles (particularly CYP2C19*2, 681G>A) in poor platelet response to clopidogrel is well recognized.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and prognostic impact of the CYP2C19*2 allele in a local acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population.MethodsWe performed a prospective, longitudinal study of 95 patients admitted for an ACS between March and October 2009 to a single coronary care unit. Patients aged under 75 who survived hospital stay and for whom clopidogrel was prescribed were included. At discharge, CYP2C19 was genotyped using a commercially available kit. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (non-carriers, normal metabolizers, CYP2C19*1/*1), n = 69; and Group B (carriers, slow metabolizers, CYP2C19*2/*1 or *2/*2), n = 26. The primary endpoint was a combined outcome of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or re-admission for unstable angina; median follow-up was 136.0 (79.0–188.0) days.ResultsThe median age of the population was 62.0 (51.0–68.0) years, and 83.2% were male. The CYP2C19*2 (A) allele had a frequency of 14.2%. There were no differences between the groups with respect to demographic data or history of cardiovascular disease. Coronary anatomy, left ventricular ejection fraction and renal function were also similar. The groups were also homogenous with respect to GRACE risk score (118.0 (95.0–136.5) vs. 115.0 (96.0–133.0), p = 0.68), medical treatment and percutaneous revascularization during hospital stay. Event-free survival was higher for Group A (94.0% vs. 75.0%, log-rank p = 0.010). Three readmissions for MI were documented, all in the slow metabolizers group.ConclusionIn our ACS population, the CYP2C19*2 allele was a medium-term prognostic marker.     

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis: Clinical and ultrastructural features of a new family

Objective: This article describes the diagnosis, clinical and microscopic (histopathology and ultrastructural) features and treatment of a new family with hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) and highlights the importance of this genetic condition. Study Design: To characterize the pattern of inheritance and the clinical features, members of a new family with HGF were examined. The pedigree was reliably constructed including the four latest generations of family. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and ultrastructural analysis were performed with the gingival tissue. Results: Examination of the family pedigree revealed that the patient III-2 represent the index patient of this family (initial patient with a mutation), which was transmitted to her daughter through an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. The affected patients showed a generalized gingival overgrowth. The patient was treated with surgical procedures of gingivectomy and gingivoplasty. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology examination that showed a well-structured epithelium with elongated and thin papillae inserted in fibrous connective tissue with increased amount of collagen. The ultrastructural aspects of the tissue show collagen fibrils exhibiting their typically repeating banding pattern with some fibrils displaying loops at their end. Moreover, it was possible to seen in some regions fibrillar component presenting tortuous aspects and loss of the alignment among them. Conclusions: This HGF frequently resulted in both esthetic and functional problems. The genetic pattern of this Brazilian family suggested a new mutation, which was later transmitted by an autosomal dominant trait. Key words:Gingival fibromatosis, genetic disease, pedigree, ultrastructure.