Epidermoid cyst of the cerebellopontine angle. Report of a case

Epidermal cysts of the cerebello-pontine angle (CPA) are lesions arising from epidermal remainders having an expansive and slow growth sitting on the PCA space or on the temporal bone. Are diagnosed approximately in the fourth life's decade by its deficient or irritant symptoms related to VIIth and VIIIth cranial nerves. It is important the nuclear magnetic resonance exam because the specific radiologic characteristics that distinguish these cysts from other conditions of CPA as neuromata or meningiomata.     

Developmental Neurotoxicity: Evaluation of Testing Procedures with Methylazoxymethanol and Methylmercury

Testing procedures for identification of potential developmentalneurotoxicants were evaluated using two prototypical developmentalneurotoxicants, methylazoxymethanol (MAM) and methylmercury(MeHg). Evaluation of offspring of LongEvans rats incorporatedassessments of developmental toxicity, neurochemistry, histology,and behavior, with most testing being completed near weaning.A number of endpoints in the testing strategy were sensitiveto the effects of prenatal exposure to MAM [30 mg/kg on GestationDay (GD) 15]: (1) MAM caused reduced neonatal body weights butdid not effect viability or postnatal survivorship; (2) measurementof total and regional brain weight and histological analysisshowed that a number of regions, the cortex and hippocampusin particular, were affected by MAM exposure; (3) an assay forglial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) showed that the concentrationof this protein was significantly increased in the cortex andhippocampus of treated offspring; (4) a T-maze delayed-alternationprocedure indicated that MAM-treated pups were slower in theacquisition phase of the task relative to control pups; (5)motor activity testing revealed hyperactivity in treated offspringthat persisted into adulthood; and (6) acoustic startle proceduresrevealed reduced startle amplitudes in preweanlings. Few endpointswere significantly affected by prenatal MeHg exposure (1, 2,or 4 mg/kg on GD 6–15). High fetal and neonatal mortalityand lower neonatal body weights were detected at the highestdose of MeHg. Although minimal effects of MeHg may reflect arelative insensitivity of the test species and/or the test methods,the combined results from both chemicals suggest that some proceduresnot currently required in the developmental neurotoxicity guidelinemay be useful in hazard identification, and further evaluationwith other chemicals, species, strains, and/or exposure paradigmsmay be warranted.     

Computer-aided surgical planning in the treatment of soft-tissue sarcoma

INTRODUCTION

Soft-tissue sarcoma resections are often highly complex procedures that demand meticulous pre-operative planning in order to maximise the potential for complete excision with clear margins, while preserving vital neurovascular structures and muscle groups.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We present a computer-aided model for surgical planning using Microsoft Powerpoint as a tool for cross referencing magnetic resonance images and normal anatomical diagrams.

RESULTS

Using this system the operator follows a sequence of pre-planned steps, minimising intra-operative decision making and unexpected adverse events. Four case studies are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The visual plan optimises the potential to meet surgical and oncological goals, and serves as an excellent nct to the operation note for documentation of the procedure.     

Management of types III and IV acetabular deficiencies with the longitudinal oblong revision cup

Thirty-five longitudinal oblong revision (LOR) cups were used to reconstruct 29 type III and 6 type IV acetabular defects. Intraoperatively, we considered that cup contact was complete when we achieved a continuous contact between the cup periphery and the acetabular rim. When there were areas with a lack of contact, we considered that the contact was partial or incomplete. All patients were followed up for 4 to 8 years (mean = 6.3 years). At the latest follow-up, 30 cups were stable (85.8%) and 5 had migrated (14.2%). We found a significant relation between incomplete cup contact with the acetabular rim and subsequent failure (P = .042). The abduction angle was significantly increased in the group of unstable cups (P = .032) because of the migration of the acetabular component that became more vertical. Pain, limp, use of walking aids, functional level, and limb-length discrepancy significantly improved postoperatively (P < .0001). The Harris hip score improved from a mean preoperative score of 37 points to that of 79 points (P < .01). This implant showed satisfactory stability at early to midterm follow-up.     

A Phase II safety and effect on time to tumor progression study of intratumoral light infusion technology using talaporfin sodium in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Twenty-seven patients with refractory liver metastases from colorectal cancer took part in a Phase II study of the light infusion technology (Litx) light-activated drug/device system to assess safety and evaluate time to tumor progression (TTP). METHODS: Litx consists of the light-activated drug, talaporfin sodium (LS11), activated intratumorally by a catheter-like array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). After placement of the array via ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) guidance, LS11 was administered intravenously, followed 15-60 min later by light infusion for 2.8 hr. Patients were assessed for adverse events and tumor response using physical examination, laboratory values, and CT scan evaluation over a period of 60 days. RESULTS: The observed occurrence of Litx treatment-related adverse events was minimal and cumulative toxicity did not occur when combined with chemotherapy. Assessment of TTP and tumor response rate, although statistically non-robust, suggest potential improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The Litx system was shown to be safe for treating liver metastases from colorectal cancer and there was no cumulative toxicity when combined with standard systemic therapy. Preliminary assessments of TTP and tumor response rate justify further evaluation in a Phase III follow-up study.