Structural and functional aspects of regeneration of human liver

Regeneration of human liver was long suspected to occur. It was proven in animals 100 years ago but could not be demonstrated in man until liver biopsy and modern hepatic tests became available. Structural changes in the regenerating liver mainly concern the arrangement of liver cell plates and the size and appearance of hepatocytic nuclei. A return to normalcy in test results depends on the factors responsible for regeneration since various test results change at different rates. Mass, estimated by imaging procedures, is restored parallel with the return of function. Shape is not restored but the pressure of neighboring organs and structures molds the growing remnant so that it almost resembles the original. Factors regulating regeneration in man are beginning to be recognized as they have been in animals. The hope is that regeneration can be accelerated or that cells can be transplanted to replace those lost.     

Ainhum (dactylolysis spontanea): A Radiological survey of 6000 patients

Dactylolysis spontanea is an idiopathic condition affecting the fifth toe, and sometimes other toes, that is frequently bilateral, with lesions in different stages. Between 1977 and 1999, a total 6000 radiographic studies of the feet were reviewed in a mainly African American population in Chicago, Illinois. After an initial screening based on the Cole criteria, 581 patients were selected and re-examined, and amplification techniques were performed. After reviewing the complementary exams, 102 patients were diagnosed with dactylolysis spontanea or ainhum. Soft-tissue constriction was the most frequently presented radiological sign on the initial screening. Kurtosis at the digit plantar fold and marked rotation of the fifth toe were normal findings in asymptomatic patients. Demographics, comorbidities, and radiological findings were analyzed in the selected population. Associated diseases occurring in these patients appeared to have no specific etiologic correlation with ainhum. African Americans and the dark-skinned population are affected exclusively by this condition, presumably due to the fibrogenic tendency of these individuals. Early diagnosis and accurate staging of ainhum are facilitated by radiological examination of the feet. The findings suggest that this condition is underdiagnosed and overlooked because its low prevalence and variable clinical presentations that might mimic more common etiologies, including localized trauma.     

Adjunct therapies to bacterial sepsis in the neonate

Recent steps to prevent neonatal sepsis due to group B Streptococcal infection have lowered the attack rate from this organism, but may not have lowered overall sepsis rates. Mortality from sepsis stills remains between 20 and 40% and is probably so high due to the immunological immaturity of the newborn. Although antibiotics remain the mainstay for treatment, adjunctive therapies aimed at improving the immunological integrity of the neonatal patient have a role in treatment and may improve outcomes. We discuss several adjunctive therapies, along with the physiologic rationale for their use, and discuss an approach for their inclusion in therapy for neonatal sepsis.     

Large Ulcerated Perianal Hidradenoma Papilliferum in a Young Female

BACKGROUND: Hidradenoma papilliferum is an uncommon benign tumor that is located almost exclusively in the vulvar and anal areas. It is usually very small and asymptomatic, and to make a correct diagnosis is clinically very difficult. Occasionally the tumor becomes elevated to form a reddish brown papillary mass, and the surface ulcerates, which may erroneously suggest malignancy. OBJECTIVE: We report a case of a large, perianal hidradenoma papilliferum with suspected malignancy in a young Japanese female. RESULTS: A 22-year-old female had been aware of a perianal nodule for approximately 1 year. Examination of the perianal area revealed a wide pedunculated, reddish nodule with several white maculae. It was ulcerated and bleeding, 2.0 x 1.2 x 0.8 cm in size, and located in the 3 o'clock position. The nodule was totally excised with a narrow margin. The histopathologic diagnosis was hidradenoma papilliferum. No recurrence was observed for 23 months. CONCLUSION: When dermatologists encounter tumors of the anogenital area of adult females, it is important to keep hidradenoma papilliferum in mind as the differential diagnosis. Dermatologists should recognize that the tumor is benign, eliminating the need for wide resection.     

Multiple Infundibulocystic Basal Cell Carcinomas: Case Report of Unique Unilateral Presentation

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma shows a wide spectrum of clinical and histologic appearances. A distinct tumor variant with follicular infundibulocystic differentiation is recognized, and there are only a few reports on its clinical presentation and management. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of multiple infundibulocystic basal cell carcinomas with a unique unilateral presentation. METHODS: A clinical history was obtained. Photographs were taken, and punch biopsies were performed. RESULTS: An 83-year-old Caucasian female presented with multiple unilateral, asymptomatic, skin-colored, dome-shaped papules around the right mouth for 11 years without apparent change. Punch biopsies revealed findings typical of infundibulocystic basal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: A patient with clinically indolent multiple unilateral infundibulocystic basal cell carcinomas is described. Given the location of these multiple lesions, standard treatment modalities for basal cell carcinomas would have significant cosmetic and functional implications. A management approach with clinical follow-up and surgical intervention only for changing lesions is discussed.