Primary giant granulomatous basal meningitis: an unusual presentation of tuberculosis

A case of granulomatous tuberculous meningitis in a 3-year-old child without any known primary disease in any other organ is presented. Tuberculous meningitis is an uncommon presentation of tuberculosis and is characterized by diffuse or circumscribed granulomatous involvement of the meninges, particularly at the base of the brain. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the worst events it can bring and to improve the chances of survival. Diagnosis remains difficult because of the lack of reliable clinical diagnostic criteria. Received: 26 November 1996 Revised: 16 June 1997     

Identification of candidate microbial sequences from inflammatory lesion of giant cell arteritis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous inflammatory disease of medium and large arteries which is prevalent in the elderly population. The etiology of GCA is unknown, although the immunologic features suggest the possible presence of a microorganism. Our group has examined whether microbial DNA fragments were present at GCA lesions and whether such microbial fragments could be associated with disease pathogenesis. Initial identification of microbial sequences was performed using genomic representational difference analysis (RDA). Laser dissecting microscopy was used to isolate cells from GCA lesions and adjacent uninvolved temporal artery. Using genomic RDA, we isolated 10 gene fragments; three of these sequences had high homology with prokaryotic genes and were considered high-priority candidates for further study. An examination of serum from GCA(+) individuals (in contrast to healthy age-matched controls) showed the presence of IgG which recognized in vitro translated proteins from these clones.     

原发性阿米巴脑炎(附1例报告并文献复习)

阿米巴原虫可分为自由生活的阿米巴和溶组织阿米巴，某些自由生活的阿米巴可以引起具有致死性的原发性阿米巴脑炎。它分为两类：由纳格勒届阿米巴引起的原发性阿米巴脑膜脑炎和棘属阿米巴引起的肉芽肿性阿米巴脑炎。我们报告一例由自由生活的阿米巴引起的肉芽肿性阿米巴脑炎，并就此类疾病的病因，临床表现，病理改变，诊断，鉴别诊断和治疗等进行文献复习。     

Ultrastructural changes in granulomatous myopathy

Summary Muscle biopsies from four middle-aged to elderly women with a 3–16-years' history of slowly progressive proximal muscle weakness showed noncaseating granulomas. Although two of them had clinical features suggestive of sarcoidosis, the other two had not. No distinct differences in the structural changes of these cases were noted by light or electron microscopy. The granulomas were comprised of epithelioid cells, Langhans type giant cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, and small numbers of plasma cells, monocytes, and mast cells. Some lymphocytes appeared to be transformed. The damaged muscle fibres were mostly located near the granulomas. Some of them were infiltrated by epithelioid cells, macrophages and mononuclear cells similar to lymphocytes. These cells were seen between the basement and plasma membranes of the muscle fibres. The muscle fibres showed various degenerative changes. Regeneration of muscle fibres was also observed. Filamentous intranuclear inclusions were present in two cases.     

Granulomatous pseudotumors in total joint replacement

Fourteen patients (15 joints) developed a foreign body reaction to methylmethacrylate, polyethylene, or metal adjacent to a total joint implan, a condition we would like to term granulomatous pseudotumors. There were eight male and six female patients. Their average age was 61 years. The hip was involved in 14 joints (femoral component 11 times, acetabulum 7, and great trochanter once). One patient presented with granulomatous pseudotumors of the knee. The principal findings included increasing pain and radiographic evidence of loosening occurring on average 2.7 years following the implant. This was followed by a characteristic and gradually developing radiographic pattern of discrete rounded lucencies. These developed into large ovoid lytic areas, destroying both methylmethacrylate and bone. Histologically, the appearances were characterized by histiocytic infiltration and the presence of multiple foreign body giant cells. Foreign material was identified in 9 of 11 cases. The pathogenesis is unknown but appears related to micromovement or loosening of the implant.     

Infectious granulomatous laryngitis: a retrospective study of 24 cases

The diagnostic and treatment of verrucous lesions of the larynx involves a high level of suspicion by the physician attending the patient. The causes may go from unspecific laryngitis to neoplasia and granulomatous diseases. This kind of lesion is uncommon and the presentation aspects may vary broadly. The lesions in larynx are significant source of morbidity. The onset of symptoms is insidious and the diagnosis is usually delayed. Symptoms include dysphonia, dyspnea, dysphagia and odynophagia. Proper treatment depends upon tissue biopsy, identification of the causative organism, and the appropriate pharmacotherapy. As there are few papers presenting the clinical features of infectious granulomatous laryngitis (IGL) as leishmaniasis, tuberculosis and paracoccidiodomycosis affecting the larynx, we considered important to show the experience of a big Brazilian Laryngology Service in dealing with this potential worldwide problem. We present a retrospective chart review showing our institution’s experience with IGL focusing in the diagnostic, treatment and prognosis aspects. Twenty-four patients were identified. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Paracoccidiodis brasiliensis accounted for ten cases each, and Leishmania braziliensis the remaining four. Hoarseness was the most common symptom of infection. Up to one-third of patients with laryngeal involvement lacked laryngeal symptoms. The average delay from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 7 months. All patients underwent direct laryngoscopy and biopsies. Caseating granulomas was the key histopathologic finding. Identification of the causative organism was uncommon. No evidence of concomitant malignancy was seen on biopsy. Despite treatment, almost 40% of patients had permanent sequelae of infection, including hoarseness, dyspnea, and dysphagia. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, P. brasiliensis, and L. braziliensis accounted for all cases of IGL. Patients may have laryngeal infection but lack laryngeal symptoms. Prompt diagnosis relies upon a high index of suspicion, especially when evaluating patients from endemic areas. Given the degree of tissue destruction, which accompanies infection, timely intervention may be important in the prevention of late sequelae. Despite appropriate therapy, a significant number of patients may have permanent sequelae of infection.