Leiomyosarcoma of the parotid gland

An unusual case of leiomyosarcoma of the parotid gland is reported. The tumour recurred thrice and metastasized to one of the adjacent lymph nodes. Histologically, a leiomyosarcoma in the salivary gland closely resembles a tumour of myoepithelial cells origin but lacks the dual cell morphology seen in the latter.     

Intraventricular rhabdoid tumor

Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) most commonly occurs in kidney. In the central nervous system, cerebellum is the most common site of occurrence. CNS rhabdoid tumors typically occur in small children, do not respond favorably to treatment and are usually fatal within 1-year. Here is reported a 4-year-old child who presented with features of raised intracranial pressure. Apart from papillodema, there were no neurological signs. Imaging revealed a left lateral ventricular heterogeneous mass abutting the foramen of monro, with mild irregular contrast enhancement and hydrocephalus. the child underwent right ventriculo-peritoneal shunt followed by craniotomy and gross total tumor resection. He was discharged 10-days after surgery without any neurological deficits. Histopathology revealed features compatible with rhabdoid tumor. Despite radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the child died of progressive disease 10-months after surgery. the highly malignant nature of this tumor makes early diagnosis essential for aggressive management and prognostication.     

Secondary generalized dystonia without basal ganglia damage

We report the case of a woman who developed generalized dystonia, severe cognitive deficits and dysphagia following an overdose of the hypoglycaemic drug, sulphonylurea. The MRI reveals frontal and temporal lobe atrophy, but no evidence of damage to the basal ganglia. This case adds to the small number of previously reported cases with secondary dystonia seemingly due to cortical rather than subcortical damage.     

Management of hemophilic pseudotumor of thumb in a child

A case of hemophilic pseudotumor of the thumb in a child is reported. Combined treatment with radiation therapy and factor VIII replacement resulted in complete resolution of the lesion with no recurrence at the 6-month follow-up. The combination of radiotherapy and factor replacement should be strongly considered in the treatment of bone pseudotumors in children.     

Avian influenza A (H5N1): a preliminary review

Humanity has been at the receiving end of many viral diseases since ages. Sudden emergence and re-emergence of new viral diseases in human beings has surprised the medical scientists from time to time. "Avian influenza" or "Bird flu" by H5N1 epidemics is one such surprise. Although many aspects about this disease are clear, there are some dark areas regarding vaccine development that need to be further explored and understood, so as to effectively contain the spread of this disease. The present article details out almost everything known about this interesting disease along with the review of the recent literature.     

Vanadium--an element of atypical biological significance

The biological image of the transition element vanadium ferments a great deal of contradiction-from toxicity to essentiality. Importance of this element as micro-nutrient is yet to be unequivocally accepted by biologists and biomedical scientists. In spite of toxicity, it seems interesting to analyze the different biological roles of the element. Vanadium compounds have been proven to be associated with various implications in the pathogenesis of some human diseases and also in maintaining normal body functions. Salts of vanadium interfere with an essential array of enzymatic systems such as different ATPases, protein kinases, ribonucleases and phosphatases. While vanadium deficiency accounts for several physiological malfunctionings including thyroid, glucose and lipid metabolism, etc., several genes are regulated by this element or by its compounds, which include genes for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), activator protein-1 (AP-1), ras, c-raf-1, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), p53, nuclear factors-kappaB, etc. All these seem to be not far from its recognition as an element of pharmacological and nutritional significance, which is revealed through its increasing therapeutic uses in diabetes. Vanadium is also emerging as a potent anti-carcinogenic agent. This review summarizes the developments related to vanadium biology as a whole by analyzing the general biochemical functions of vanadium.     

Recurrent bradycardia and delayed recovery in a neonate following repair of nasofrontal encephalocoele with holoprosencephaly and single cerebral ventricle

Holoprosencephaly and single cerebral ventricle are uncommon congenital anomalies that are associated with a high rate of perinatal mortality. We describe a neonate who developed recurrent bradycardia along with delayed recovery following frontal craniotomy for the repair of a nasofrontal encephalocoele associated with holoprosencephaly and a single cerebral ventricle. The neonate, however, recovered following elective ventilation. Etiopathogenesis and management of such complications are discussed.