Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome with polymyositis

We have reported a case of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) with polymyositis, in which there was marked eosinophilic leukocytic infiltration of the myocardium and striated skeletal muscles, particularly of the diaphragm, with foci of necrosis and areas of fibrosis. We believe this to be the first detailed report of the involvement of the diaphragm in HES.     

PgH2 analogs as potential antiplatelet derivatives.

Previous observations implicating PgH2 as a direct activator of platelets suggested that derivatives of U46619, a well-characterized TxA2 receptor agonist having structural homology with PgH2, might possess antiplatelet activity. The present work describes the synthesis of [1S-(1 alpha,2 beta,3 alpha,4 alpha)]-3-[(tetrahydropyranyloxy)methyl]- 2-[2-[(triphenylmethyl)oxy]ethyl]-5-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (14) a potentially useful intermediate for the synthesis of various epoxymethano derivatives. The latter was converted to [1S-(1 alpha,2 beta (Z),3 alpha,4 alpha)]-7-[3-[[2- [(phenylamino)carbonyl]-hydrazino]methyl]-5-oxabicylo[2.2.1]hept-2 - yl]-5-heptenoic acid (23), an epoxymethano derivative of PgH2 containing a hydrazide lower side chain as previously used in the TxA2 antagonist, SQ 29,548. The intermediate 14 was also converted to [1S-(1 alpha,2 beta (Z),3 alpha,4 alpha)]-7- [3-[(hexylamino)methyl]-5-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (25) which contained a simple aza side chain as used in earlier antagonists. Derivatives 23 and 25 appeared to be specific antagonists of the human platelet TxA2 receptor as evidenced by their inhibition of U46619 (1.5 microM) induced aggregation of human platelet rich plasma (IC50 = 22 and 7 microM, respectively), while having little effect on ADP (2 microM) induced aggregation at much higher concentrations. In addition, one of these derivatives, the bicycloamine 25, was shown to compete for [3H]U46619 binding to washed human platelets with an IC50 value of 25 microM, supporting the notion that these derivatives were acting at the thromboxane receptor. However, the potency of these derivatives was less than for previously reported TxA2 antagonists, suggesting that simple linear combinations of functionality from molecules active at the human platelet thromboxane receptor will be of limited predictive value.     

Tamoxifen suppresses tumor promoter-induced hydrogen peroxide formation by human neutrophils.

Trans-tamoxifen (TAM) has been used successfully in therapy for estrogen-dependent human breast tumors and prevention of their recurrence. The mechanism of this prevention was thought to be due to the interference of TAM with estrogen promotion. TAM has a wider anticarcinogenic action that is similar to other chemopreventive agents in that it suppresses tumor promotion in 2-stage carcinogenesis by interfering with the action of protein kinase C. We report that TAM (5 microM) totally inhibits hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-treated human neutrophils. Interestingly, beta-estradiol (10 microM) also slightly inhibits the oxidative burst of neutrophils. Pretreatment of neutrophils with varying amounts of TAM and beta-estradiol caused additive inhibition of H2O2 formation by the 2 agents. 4-Hydroxy-tamoxifen, a metabolite with the highest affinity for the estrogen receptor, was only as inhibitory as beta-estradiol. Other derivatives (cis-, N-desmethyl-, and N-desdimethyl-tamoxifen) with low biological activities had a smaller effect on H2O2 formation. TPA-treated neutrophils were shown to contain 5-hydroxymethyl uracil (HMU). TAM prevented the TPA-induced formation of HMU in other cells. Like TPA, dietary fat, which is a risk factor for breast cancer, induces formation of HMU in the DNA of human white blood cells. TAM may suppress the dietary fat-induced HMU in the same manner at it does in TPA-induced neutrophils.     

Surgery for left ventricular free wall rupture: patch glue repair without extracorporeal circulation.

Left ventricular free wall rupture is a dramatic complication after myocardial infarction. We present our experience with the simple, expedient technique of patch glue repair without extracorporeal circulation. Access is obtained via median sternotomy. Evacuation of blood and haematoma is undertaken and a Goretex patch exceeding the size of infarct is fashioned. The patch is applied to the epicardium using enbrucrilate surgical glue instilled with gentle pressure against the beating heart. We performed this technique on 17 patients from 1993 to 2001, with a operative (30-day) mortality of 23.5% with a post-discharge survival of 85% at 2.2 years.     

Comparative double-blinded study between mupirocin and tetracycline ointments for treating skin infections

A double-blinded study was conducted to compare the effects of mupirocin and tetracycline ointments in the treatment of skin infections. 111 patients were available for clinical assessment, of which 53 were treated with mupirocin and 58 treated with tetracycline. Clinically, both groups were improved, and there was no significant difference. Bacteriological assessment however revealed a better response to mupirocin. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes were the most common organisms isolated. 99% of Staphylococci were sensitive to mupirocin compared with 61% to tetracycline and 29% to penicillin G. 57% of Group A beta haemolytic Streptococci were resistant to tetracycline compared to 14% to mupirocin. Gram-negative organisms were mostly resistant to both preparations. No side effects were observed in both treatment groups. This study suggests that mupirocin is a safe and effective topical preparation for treating most of our common skin infections.     

Initial management of acute urethral injuries

A study was made of 30 cases of acute urethral trauma treated over a 7-year period. There were 10 anterior and 20 posterior urethral injuries, the majority of these being partial ruptures. Posterior urethral injuries were caused by road traffic accidents in 75% of cases while 80% of the anterior urethral injuries were of the "straddle" type. There was only 1 case of iatrogenic injury to the anterior urethra. During follow-up, all patients required periodic dilatations for stricture except for the single case of iatrogenic injury. An average of 5 dilatations controlled all of the strictures except for 2 that required urethroplasties.     

Unusual cardiac papillary fibroelastoma in the right ventricular outflow tract.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) is the second most common benign neoplasm of the heart. This study describes the case of an 81-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital for severe vertigo and in whom a tumor at the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) was identified incidentally during echocardiography. The CPF was excised smoothly following the confirmation of its position by computed tomography. The comprehensive pathologic findings of CPF were reviewed. Detailed immunohistochemical analyses of CD34 and factor VIII-related antigen were performed on the covering endocardial cells. The unique chondroid metaplasia of fibrous tissue in this CPF has never been reported. This work is the first to present an unusual CPF at the RVOT with reactive process of fibrous connective tissue.