Nonseminomatous germ cell tumor arising in splenogonadal fusion

Splenogonadal fusion is a rare congenital malformation in which the spleen is abnormally connected to the gonads or to the mesonephric derivatives. A few more than 150 cases have been described in the world literature. We report an additional case of splenogonadal fusion. A nonseminomatous germ cell tumor was found in the testicle involved in this splenogonadal fusion. To our knowledge, this is the third reported case of a testicular neoplasm associated with splenogonadal fusion and the first reported case of intra-abdominal nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumor arising in this rare anomaly. The literature pertaining to splenogonadal fusion and the testicular tumor arising in this anomaly is briefly reviewed.     

Role of mitotic counts in the grading and prognosis of the breast cancer

100 Cases of invasive breast cancer were studied for Tumor type, Tumor site, Nodal Status, Mitotic counts, Nuclear pleomorphism, Tubule formation and Nottingham modification of Bloom Richardson Grading. The follow up of the 82 patients treated with surgery and adjuvant treatment was available. Mitotic activity index (MAI) counted with strict criteria of elston CW, emerged as one of the most significant prognostic parameter followed by overall grade in predicting Tumor free survival (TFS) for the patients. Mitotic count also correlated well with overall Grade and lymph node status in predicting the TFS. This parameter is very useful where advanced studies like flowcytometry and immunohistochemical studies of the cell proliferation marker are not available.     

Histological analysis of cystic tumour like lesions of central nervous system

True cysts of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare lesions. A retrospective study of patients with symptomatic non-neoplastic cystic lesions of CNS operated in the Department of Neurosurgery, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi between Jan 1994 and Feb 2001 was conducted. Parasitic cysts, cystic transformation of hemmorhages, vascular malformations and cystic tumours were excluded from the study. A total of 109 cases were reviewed. There were 34, 27, 17, 16, 8, 3 and 2 cases of epidermoid, arachnoid, dermoid, colloid, neurenteric, Rathke's and ependymal cysts and 1 case each of choroid plexus and glial cysts. The clinical presentations, locations, incidence and pathogenesis of these cysts is discussed.     

Sonographic diagnosis of diastematomyelia in utero: a case report and literature review

Fetal diastematomyelia is a rare form of spinal dysraphism that is characterized by a complete or incomplete division of the spinal cord by an osseous or fibrocartilaginous septum. A case of diastematomyelia, which was detected on the routine third trimester detailed ultrasound scan, is presented. The diagnosis was based on the detection of an echogenic focus in the posterior aspect of the spine in association with widening of the interpedicular vertebral space. The case illustrates that diastematomyelia can occur in the absence of overt spina bifida and that prenatal detection will allow timely postnatal investigation and treatment. Prenatal literature is further reviewed to assess the clinical significance of this finding.     

Unexplained decrease in measured oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry following injection of Lymphazurin 1% (isosulfan blue) during a lymphatic mapping procedure

A rare case of alteration in measured pulse oximetry during a lymphatic mapping procedure for cervical carcinoma is reported. Over a 5-min period following injection of perilesional Lymphazurin 1% dye (3 ml total), a profound pulse oximetry desaturation was observed. Concomitant arterial blood gas determinations confirmed patient's well-being. Interaction of this agent's absorptive spectroscopy and wavelengths used to measure oxygen saturation by commercial pulse oximetry devices is suspected.     

Ultrasound of the carotid and vertebral arteries

Ultrasound plays an important role in the assessment of carotid arterial disease, complimentary to other imaging modalities. However, ultrasound does have limitations, not least the requirement of a high degree of operator skill. Recent advances in ultrasound technology will strengthen its role by improving accuracy. This review discusses the role of ultrasound in assessing the carotid arterial system with emphasis on evaluating stenosis.     

Is formal training necessary for capsule endoscopy?: The largest gastroenterology trainee study with controls

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the infrastructure to train gastroenterologists in capsule endoscopy. The level of capsule endoscopy exposure among trainees in the United Kingdom or Europe has also not been quantified. AIMS AND METHODS: To assess the ability of 10 gastroenterology trainees with endoscopy experience to interpret 10 capsule endoscopy videos against five medical students, with an expert in capsule endoscopy as the gold standard. Parameters assessed included gastric emptying time, small bowel transit and the diagnosis made. A questionnaire survey assessed the level of capsule endoscopy exposure among United Kingdom trainees. RESULTS: Trainees were better at determining the gastric emptying time (p=0.013) and more likely to record true positives compared to the students (p=0.037). They were also less likely to record false positives (p=0.005) and more likely to reach the correct diagnosis (p=0.001, OR 3.6, CI 1.8-7.4). Our survey found that, 65% of trainees had prior exposure to capsule endoscopy but only 13% had done capsule endoscopy reporting. Sixty seven percent felt capsule endoscopy should be incorporated into their training. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that prior endoscopic experience enables trainees to interpret capsule endoscopy more accurately than medical students. However, there is a demand for focussed training which would enable trainees to reliably interpret pathology on capsule endoscopy.