Head and neck extranodal lymphoma in a single institute: a 17-year retrospective analysis

The study's purposes are to identify patient characteristics, treatment response and survival rate, and to describe the important prognostic factors for our patients with extranodal head and neck lymphoma. Furthermore, no study has systemically discussed the overall figure of this disease in Taiwan and we analyzed our data on this topic. A retrospective review was performed for 86 patients with extranodal head and neck lymphoma, diagnosed in Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, between 1990 and 2007. We evaluated the medical records and analyzed the possible factors affecting treatment outcomes, survival rate, and free-from-disease (FFD) survival rate. Forty-nine male and 37 female patients were included with a male:female ratio of 1.32:1. The most frequent histologic type was diffuse large B cell lymphoma, accounting for 41.9% of the total. The most common primary site involved with extranodal head and neck non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was a tonsil with 27 cases (31.4%). Stage, international prognostic index (IPI) score, B symptoms, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, and lymph node status significantly affected treatment response. The overall 5- and 10-year survival rates were 68.0% and 57.8%, respectively. The FFD survival rate was 53.6% and 49.3% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Factors including stage, lymph node status, LDH level, and IPI score produced significant differences in both overall survival and FFD survival. Our analyzed information is similar to other previously presented studies. Stage, IPI score, B symptoms, LDH level, and neck nodal status can be used to evaluate the treatment outcomes. Neck nodal status and stage are the two significant prognostic factors for overall survival.     

Allergy accelerates the disease progression of chronic rhinosinusitis

Background: The role of allergy in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in East Asians is not clear.

Aims/objectives: The aim was to investigate the impact of allergies in the clinical characteristics of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Material and methods: A total of 138 CRS patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery were included. A brief history of rhinosinusitis symptoms, blood eosinophil count, blood-specific allergen tests, computed tomography (CT) scan findings, Lund-Mackay (LM) CT scores, and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) Questionnaire scores, and sinoscopy findings at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Results: The ImmunoCAP test was positive in 71(51%) patients and negative in 67(49%) patients. The mean age of those who received endoscopic sinus surgery was 7-years younger in the allergic group compared with the non-allergic group (p?=?.008). The peripheral eosinophil count in the allergic group was higher than that of the non-allergic group (p?=?.008). The LM scores and SNOT-22 scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The recurrence rate of nasal polyps in the allergic group was higher but without statistical significance.

Conclusions and significance: Allergy may accelerate the disease progression of CRS. The presence of the serum-specific IgE was correlated with peripheral eosinophil percentage, especially in the CRSwNP patients.     

Congenital Degos Disease: Case Report and Dermoscopic Findings

Pediatric Degos disease is rare, with only 36 cases reported in the medical literature. Classically the diagnosis has been established according to pathognomonic histopathologic findings, but when these features are not present, there may be a delay in diagnosis. We report the second congenital case of Degos disease, highlighting the clinical and dermoscopic findings.     

The degrees to which transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy moves the region of osteonecrotic femoral head out of the weight-bearing area as evaluated by computer simulation

BACKGROUND: Transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy is a technical demanding procedure. Currently, the pre-operative planning of the transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy is mostly based on X-ray images. The surgeons would need to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of the femoral head and the necrosis in their mind. This study develops a simulation platform using computer models based on the computed tomography images of the femoral head to evaluate the degree to which transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy moves the region of osteonecrotic femoral head out of the weight-bearing area in stance and gait cycle conditions. Based on this simulation procedure, the surgeons would be better informed before the surgery and the indication can be carefully assessed. METHOD: A case with osteonecrosis involving 15% of the femoral head was recruited. Virtual models with the same size lesion but at different locations were devised. Computer models were created using SolidWorks 2000 CAD software. The area ratio of weight-bearing zone occupied by the necrotic lesion on two conditions, stance and gait cycle, were measured after surgery simulations. FINDINGS: For the specific case and virtual models devised in this study, computer simulation showed the following two findings: (1) The degrees needed to move the necrosis out of the weight-bearing zone in stance were less by anterior rotational osteotomy as compared to that of posterior rotational osteotomy. However, the necrotic region would still overlap with the weight-bearing area during gait cycle. (2) Because the degrees allowed for posterior rotation were less restricted than anterior rotation, posterior rotational osteotomies were often more effective to move the necrotic region out of the weight-bearing area during gait cycle. INTERPRETATION: The computer simulation platform by registering actual CT images is a useful tool to assess the direction and degrees needed for transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy. Although the results indicated that anterior rotational osteotomy was more effective to move the necrosis out of the weight-bearing zone in stance for models devised in this study, in circumstances where the necrotic region located at various locale, considering the limitation of anterior rotation inherited with the risk of vascular compromise, it might be more beneficial to perform posterior rotation osteotomy in taking account of gait cycle.     

Human immunodeficiency virus and endoscopy: Experience of a general hospital in Singapore

INTRODUCTION: As the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic continues, demand on the endoscopic services will also increase. The aim of the present study was to characterize the characteristics and endoscopic findings of HIV-infected Asian patients. METHODS: Patients with HIV/AIDS who had endoscopy from January 1997 to September 2002 were identified and retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: There were 125 patients (male, 111; mean age: 43.2 +/- 11 years; mean CD4 count 63 +/- 85/mm(3), range, 1-342/mm(3)) who underwent 181 procedures (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy [UGIE], n = 141; lower gastrointestinal endoscopy [LGIE], n = 40). The median time from diagnosis to endoscopy was 240 days (-660 to 4680 days). For UGIE the main findings were candidiasis, 23.1%; cytomegalovirus esophagitis/ulcers, 11.2%; duodenal ulcers, 8.4%; gastric ulcers, 7.0%; portal-hypertensive-related changes, 6.3%; idiopathic esophageal ulcers, 3.5%; herpes simplex esophagitis/ulcers, 3.5%; and tuberculosis, 2.1%. The CD4 counts were significantly lower in those with opportunistic infections (P = 0.004) but there was no difference between significant and non-significant findings (P = 0.191). For LGIE 35% had endoscopic colitis, 80% of which were non-specific. Significant findings were ileal tuberculosis, n = 3; colon cancer, n = 1; and colonic fistula, n = 1. Ten patients had undergone 16 procedures (UGIE, n = 13; LGIE, n = 3) prior to the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. They were all male Chinese patients, with positive contact with commercial sex workers (CSW) and had lymphopenia at time of endoscopy. The median time from endoscopy to diagnosis was 180 days (range, 1-660 days). There were no significant differences in age (P = 0.512) and CD4 count at diagnosis (P = 0.066) between patients who had endoscopy before and after diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. Four procedures led to the suspicion of HIV. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic findings of symptomatic HIV Asian patients are comparable to those of the West. Universal precautions should always be exercised in all procedures to avoid transmission of disease.     

Giant rhinolith: a case report

A rhinolith is a stone that forms in the nose. It occurs as a result of the solidification of mucus and nasal debris by mineral salts, calcium, magnesium phosphate and carbonate. It can be seen on radiographs as a radiopaque object in the nasal fossa and may be confused with several pathologic entities that will call for more invasive surgical procedures. We present the first case of a giant rhinolith, possibly arising from aspergillosis, and discuss its clinical and radiologic features.     

Trocar-assisted sling suspension for stress urinary incontinence: three-year follow-up

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 3-year outcomes of trocar-assisted sling suspension (TASS) for genuine stress incontinence. DESIGN: Retrospective review (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University-based, tertiary-level center for endoscopic surgery. PATIENTS: One hundred forty women with genuine stress incontinence with bladder neck hypermobility. INTERVENTION: After standard surgery preparation and general endotracheal anesthesia, TASS was performed. The periurethral space and thicker parts of the pubocervical fascia were opened from the vagina. A 0.5-cm incision was made on both sides of the lower abdomen and was measured 4-cm lateral to the linea album and 2-3-cm above the pubic bone. A trocar was used to penetrate the incision site to the space of Retzius. A 2-cm x 30-cm folded polypropylene mesh was placed inside the vagina and was then pulled out of the trocar sheath by a laparoscopic forceps. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All patients completed the procedures without exception. The average blood loss was less than 50 mL (range 10-200 mL). The operative time ranged from 20 to 90 minutes with a mean time of 32 +/- 12 minutes. Eleven patients had voiding difficulty. Six of them voided well after intermittent self-catheterization performed 28 days postoperatively. Seven patients had poor healing of the anterior vaginal wall; therefore, removal of mesh and wound repair were performed. One patient suffered from a retroperitoneal hematoma, and one patient had an intraoperative bladder injury. The overall complication rate was 14.3%. During 12-36 months of follow-up, 134 of 140 patients (95.7%) were satisfied with the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of our pilot study, TASS is quite feasible as a method of treatment for stress urinary incontinence. The surgery is not difficult to perform when compared with Burch colposuspension. Moreover, it encompasses the simplicity and effectiveness of tension-free vaginal tape surgery. In addition, TASS also can correct lateral wall defects such as cystocele.     

A simplified method to decrease operative blood loss in laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy for the large uterus

STUDY OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the role of oxytocin in decreasing operative blood loss in laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for the large uterus (weight > or = 500 g). DESIGN: Prospective clinical study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: Eighty-eight women scheduled for a hysterectomy for large benign uterine tumors. INTERVENTION: Two ampules of oxytocin (10 u/mL/amp) were added to 1000 mL of saline solution running at the rate of 40 mU/min during the course of LAVH. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Blood loss and blood transfusion rate were significantly greater in the group without oxytocin infusion (group B) than in the group with oxytocin infusion (group A), with 485.7 +/- 321.6 mL versus 364.1 +/- 173.2 mL (p <.05) and 26.7% versus 6. 1% (p <.05), respectively. There was no significant difference in average age, body weight, and number of vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections between the two groups. There also was no significant difference in mean uterine weight, postoperative stay, and complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Oxytocin infusion can cause uterine contractions that decrease uterine perfusion. It is a safe and inexpensive method to help decrease operative blood loss during LAVH for the large uterus.     

Histopathologic changes in kidney and liver correlate with streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B production in the mouse model of group A streptococcal infection

Previous studies show that isogenic mutants deficient in streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SPE B) cause less mortality and skin tissue damage than wild-type strains of Streptococcus pyogenes when inoculated into mice via an air pouch. In this study, the growth and dissemination of bacteria, pathologic changes in various organs, and their correlation with SPE B production were examined. Bacterial numbers in the air pouch from wild-type strain NZ131-infected mice increased at 48 h, while those from speB mutant SW510-infected mice continuously reduced. Mice infected with NZ131 developed bacteremia and greater dissemination in the kidney, liver, and spleen; those infected with SW510 showed either no or slight bacteremia and dissemination. Co-inoculation of SW510 with recombinant SPE B showed a higher bacterial count in the air pouch, bacteremia, and organ dissemination compared to co-inoculation with a C192S mutant lacking protease activity. The histopathologic changes examined showed lesions in kidney and liver in the NZ131-infected but not in SW510-infected mice. The elevation in sera of BUN, AST, and ALT correlated positively with renal and liver impairment. Taken together, SPE B produced during S. pyogenes infection plays a pathogenic role. A direct effect of SPE B on vessel permeability change was also demonstrated.