Utility of the variable flip angle 3D fast-spin echo (isoFSE) sequence on 3T MR for diagnosing vertebrobasilar artery dissection

We aimed to investigate the utility of the isoFSE sequence, one of the variable flip angle 3D fast-spin echo sequences, on 3T-MR for displaying vessel walls and diagnosing vertebrobasilar artery dissection (VAD). We retrospectively evaluated 12 initial and 28 follow-up images from 12 patients diagnosed with either intracranial VAD or carotid artery dissection. The image quality for displaying the vessel wall was scored using a five-point scale (1 poor, 5 excellent) on initial T1-weighted isoFSE images for each region of the arteries. The intracranial artery dissection findings assessed at time points after onset were evaluated on initial and follow-up T1/T2-weighted isoFSE images. For small arteries, including the anterior/posterior inferior cerebellar artery, similar high scores were obtained on both unenhanced and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted isoFSE images (average: 4.7–5.0, p?>?0.2). On unenhanced images, dissected vertebral arteries showed significantly lower scores than non-dissected vertebral arteries for both readers (p?=?0.017 and 0.015, respectively), but the scores were high (3.9 and 4.0, respectively). Definitive findings of VAD were observed on the initial images except in one case. For all cases, definitive findings were seen on at least one of the initial or follow-up images. Temporal changes in the findings could be observed for all cases. In conclusion, we showed favorable wall visualization on T1-weighted isoFSE images and the utility of follow-up imaging using unenhanced-T1/T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted isoFSE sequences with acceptable scan times, which could promote the regular use of 3D black-blood vessel wall imaging.     

"BLACK THYROID" ASSOCIATED WITH MINOCYCLINE THERAPY A Report of an Autopsy Case and Review of the Literature

An autopsy case of a 69-year-old woman showing black discoloration of the thyroid gland designated as "Black thyroid" was reported. The patient received long-term, high dose antibiotics minocycline therapy (total dose: 70 g) for bronchial asthma associated with respiratory infection and died of uterine cancer. The thyroid gland was coal black in color and histological examination revealed numerous dark brown pigments scattered in the follicular epithelium and colloid matrix. Special stains and electron microscopic examination suggested these deposited pigments to be consistent with lipofuscin. Histological examination of the thyroid glands in consecutive 500 autopsy cases revealed intimate relationship between deposition of lipofuscin pigments in the follicular epithelium and age of the patients. But, massive deposition of lipofuscin in the thyroid alone did not make the thyroid black and addition of minocycline appeared to be necessary for the black discoloration. ACTA PATHOL. JPN. 36: 1367–1375, 1986.     

Hyperalaninemia,hyperpyruvicemia and lactic acidosis due to pyruvate carboxylase deficiency of the liver; Treatment with thiamine and lipoic acid

A 16-month-old female infant with severe mental and motor retardation, clinically diagnosed as Leigh's encephalomyelopathy, forms the basis of this study. This infant was found to have lactic acidosis, low cerebrospinal fluid glucose, hyperalaninemia, and increased levels of urine lactate, pyruvate and alanine. These laboratory studies suggested an inborn error in gluconeogenesis. Further investigation revealed a low level of hepatic pyruvate carboxylase activity. The patient's elder sister who also had mental and motor deterioration was then also found to have an elevated blood lactate. These two siblings clinically and biochemically showed improvement with treatment consisting of thiamine and lipoic acid.     

Undifferentiated renal cell carcinoma in infancy: report of a case and review of literature

A case of rapidly progressed undifferentiated renal cell carcinoma in a 2 2/12-month-old boy is reported. The histology is characterized by sarcomalike spindle and pleomorphic cells and bizarre giant cells, thus creating many difficulties in the differential diagnosis. The diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma was established on the basis of tubular formation by clear and granular cells observed in a few discrete areas. The literature on renal cell carcinoma occurring under 10 years of age was reviewed, with special attention given to histological typing. It is generally believed that renal cell carcinoma in children is well differentiated, but 2 of 39 cases reviewed were undifferentiated. We conclude that renal cell carcinoma in infants or young children may have an undifferentiated, atypical histological appearance and can progress rapidly. The differential diagnosis from anaplastic Wilms' tumor and sarcomatous tumors of the kidney in children is discussed.     

Diastereoselective synthesis of N-Boc-norpandamarilactonine-B and pandamarilactonine-A

Optically pure N-Boc-norpandamarilactonine-B was diastereoselectively synthesized starting from L-serine by employing a double ring closing metathesis (RCM) of a tetraene derivative as a key reaction. N-Boc-norpandamarilactonine-B obtained was further converted to pandamarilactonine-A.     

Internal mammary lymph node metastases in breast cancer: what should radiologists know?

The internal mammary lymph node (IMLN) chain is a pathway through which breast lymphatic drainage flows. The internal mammary lymphatic vessel runs around the internal mammary artery and veins with IMLN in the parasternal intercostal spaces. IMLN metastasis, which forms a part of clinical TNM staging, may negatively affect the prognosis of primary breast cancer patients. IMLN metastasis is clinically detected using ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ¹⁸F-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography. The uptake of radioactive tracers in IMLN with clinically negative axillary lymph nodes is often identified using sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) in primary breast cancer patients. The indication for IMLN biopsy or resection that is clinically detected or visualized using SLNM is controversial. The clinically suspicious IMLN may be considered for ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration. First IMLN recurrence needs to be biopsied. Irradiation of the breast, chest wall, and/or regional nodal irradiation, including IMLN, following lumpectomy or postmastectomy is recommended. Although radiation therapy for IMLN recurrence may improve clinical outcomes, it is also associated with pulmonary and cardiac toxicities. This review covers the local anatomy of IMLN, lymph drainage and image findings of IMLN with a discussion.     

Insulin-lowering agents inhibit synthesis of testosterone in ovaries of DHEA-induced PCOS rats

BACKGROUND: Insulin-lowering agents are reported to be useful in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) anovulation. It has been suggested that lower insulin levels secondarily affect ovarian tissue, although the direct mechanism of action has not yet been verified. Here we investigated if these agents directly affect the ovary. METHODS: Thirty female Wister rats were studied. Six control rats were injected subcutaneously with 0.2 ml sesame oil, while 24 rats used as PCOS models were injected subcutaneously with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and divided into four groups. Six rats were injected with only DHEA, while the remaining 18 rats received metformin, pioglitazone or troglitazone. The ovaries were immunohistochemically stained with anti- testosterone and anti-17beta-HSD antibodies, and then evaluated for morphological changes. RESULTS: In the DHEA administration group, the number of atretic follicles significantly increased compared to that of control rats. The insulin-lowering agents did not improve the multicystic appearance. Serum testosterone concentrations significantly increased with DHEA administration, but the increase was inhibited by oral administration of insulin-lowering agents. Testosterone deposits in ovarian tissue were also reduced by feeding rats insulin-lowering agents. CONCLUSION: Insulin-lowering agents affected ovarian tissue by inhibiting testosterone biosynthesis in vivo.