Epithelioid hemangioma of bone revisited: a study of 50 cases

The clinical and pathologic features of 50 epithelioid hemangiomas of bone are analyzed. There were 29 males and 21 females who ranged in age from 10 to 75 (mean 35) years. The tumors arose in long tubular bones (40%), short tubular bones of the distal lower extremity (18%), flat bones (18%), vertebrae (16%), and small bones of the hands (8%). Nine patients (18%) had involvement of more than 1 bone. Radiographically, the lesions were lucent and well marginated. Microscopically, the neoplasms had a lobular architecture and were composed of epithelioid endothelial cells that formed obvious vascular lumina or grew in solid sheets. No hyalinized or solid appearing extracellular myxoid matrix was present. Thirty-five patients were treated with curettage, 13 patients had a local resection and 2 patients only had a biopsy. One patient had local lymph node involvement. Three patients were treated with surgery and radiation therapy. Follow-up information revealed that 4 patients experienced a local recurrence; and 1 patient developed limited involvement of a regional lymph node. Epithelioid hemangioma of bone is a benign lesion that may be multifocal and affect separate tissue and is successfully treated with curettage or marginal en bloc excision.     

A pilot randomized control trial investigating the effect of mindfulness practice on pain tolerance, psychological well-being, and physiological activity

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of mindfulness training on pain tolerance, psychological well-being, physiological activity, and the acquisition of mindfulness skills. METHODS: Forty-two asymptomatic University students participated in a randomized, single-blind, active control pilot study. Participants in the experimental condition were offered six (1-h) mindfulness sessions; control participants were offered two (1-h) Guided Visual Imagery sessions. Both groups were provided with practice CDs and encouraged to practice daily. Pre-post pain tolerance (cold pressor test), mood, blood pressure, pulse, and mindfulness skills were obtained. RESULTS: Pain tolerance significantly increased in the mindfulness condition only. There was a strong trend indicating that mindfulness skills increased in the mindfulness condition, but this was not related to improved pain tolerance. Diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in both conditions. CONCLUSION: Mindfulness training did increase pain tolerance, but this was not related to the acquisition of mindfulness skills.