The relationship between 67Ga accumulation and ATP metabolism in tumor cells in vitro

Previously, we reported that the deposition of 67Ga into malignant tumors may be a sensitive index of proliferative activity in tumor cells. For the purpose of elucidation of this hypothesis, we investigated the relationship between the accumulation of 67Ga into malignant tumor cells and the intra cellular ATP metabolism in vitro. The uptake of 67Ga into tumor cells was inhibited by adding NaF which is an inhibitor of ATP production. Furthermore, the uptake of 67Ga into tumor cells was strongly inhibited by adding ouabain which is a specific inhibitor of Na+-K+-ATPase. From these in vitro results, it was concluded that there is a correlation between 67Ga uptake and intra cellular ATP metabolism in tumor cells.     

Technetium-99m pertechnetate and gallium-67 imaging in salivary gland disease

Thirty-two patients with salivary gland tumors or sialadenitis were studied with Tc-99m pertechnetate and Ga-67 imaging and, in some instances, sialography. The diagnostic algorithm presented allows the correct categorization of the salivary gland pathology in the vast majority of patients. The patients were studied serially with Tc-99m pertechnetate, Ga-67 and in certain situations sialography (or CT-sialography). Use of the algorithm can distinguish benign salivary tumors from malignant tumors and malignant tumors from inflammatory disease. The limitations and pitfalls of interpretation are discussed.     

The relationship between Ga-67 accumulation and cell cycle in malignant tumor cells in vitro

Previously we reported that the deposition of 67Ga into malignant tumor may be a sensitive index of proliferative activity in tumor cells. For the purpose of elucidation of this hypothesis, we investigated the relationship between the accumulation of 67Ga into malignant tumor cells and the cell cycle in vitro. We discovered that the uptake of both 67Ga and 59Fe into synchronized mouse tumor cells reaches a peak at the G2 stage which precedes cellular proliferation. Both iron and transferrin are specifically required by cells in culture for cell division, and the fact that 67Ga and 59Fe uptake into tumor cells peaks at the G2 stage of the cell cycle suggests that there is a correlation between 67Ga uptake and the rate of cellular proliferation in malignant tumor cells.     

Successful treatment of a basilar aneurysm presenting as a brainstem hemorrhage

A case of large brainstem hemorrhage resulting from a basilar artery aneurysm is reported. This extremely rare disorder is fatal in a large majority of cases, and has usually been reported after autopsy. This case presents a successful recovery after clipping the aneurysm.     

Clinical benefits of rotational 3D angiography in endovascular treatment of ruptured cerebral aneurysm

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent neurointerventional and neurosurgical technologies require an understanding of lesions and adjacent structures in three dimensions. To clarify the clinical benefits of rotational 3D digital subtraction angiography (DSA), we retrospectively analyzed its advantages and disadvantages at the time of interventional procedures for ruptured cerebral aneurysms. METHODS: From January 1998 through September 2000, 85 patients with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm were treated with Guglielmi detachable coils in the acute phase. Data for the patients treated before availability of 3D DSA (group A, 52 patients) were compared with data for patients treated after availability of 3D DSA (group B, 33 patients). Variables analyzed were age, sex, location of aneurysm, size of aneurysm, number of implanted coils, number of DSA exposures, and total amount of contrast medium used. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between the groups were noted when we compared the age, sex, aneurysm location, aneurysm size, and number of implanted coils. The number of DSA exposures was decreased in total by using 3D DSA (P <.0001), not only to determine the working projection (P <.0001) but also during the procedure (P <.0002). However, no statistically significant difference was noted in the comparison of total amount of contrast medium. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional DSA allows acquisition of high-quality 3D images of cerebral arteries and also allows observation and analysis from multiple directions to determine the appropriate working projection for embolization. Three-dimensional DSA is essential for optimal diagnosis and embolization of cerebral aneurysms and can reduce the number of exposures.     

Progression of cervical instabilities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis 5.7?years after their first lower limb arthroplasty

We reviewed 101 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who had undergone their first lower limb arthroplasty between 1990 and 2002. None of the patients had received immunosuppressant or biological drugs. Preoperative and follow-up cervical spine radiographs had been performed (more than 2?years after the arthroplasty). Cervical spine instabilities were found in 62 and 82 patients, and a posterior atlantodental interval (PADI) of <14?mm was present in 20 and 22 patients in the respective radiographs. The presence of cervical spine instabilities and PADI <14?mm were correlated with a higher modified Lansbury index (LI) both preoperatively and at final follow-up. Patients with no cervical spine instability throughout the follow-up had a lower average LI. Patients with atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS), vertical subluxation (VS), and subaxial subluxation (SAS) had more joint arthroplasties at final follow-up compared with other patients. The percentage of patients with single and multiple cervical instabilities increased at final follow-up. The incidence of cervical spine instabilities in RA patients requiring a lower limb arthroplasty is extremely high, with progression of these instabilities after the procedure. There is a correlation between the severity of RA activity in peripheral joints and the severity of cervical spine instabilities.