The evaluation of run-off prior to infra-inguinal bypass reconstruction - a modified scoring system based on flow measurement.

OBJECTIVES: To compare angiographic scoring and flow measurements in the assessment of run-off prior infra-inguinal bypass. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a series of 108 consecutive infra-inguinal bypasses, run-off was scored on the basis of pre- and post-operative angiograms and related to intra- and post-operative flow rates as determined by Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS: There was a highly significant correlation between the angiographic score and flow (p = 0.0000), as well as between angiographic score (p = 0.0000), flow (p = 0.0000) and the level of distal anastomosis. Flow determined per crural vessel (quotient of flow to angiographic score) proved to be independent of the level of distal bypass anastomosis (p = 0.20). CONCLUSION: In this study, angiographic scoring and Doppler flow measurements were equally valid means for the assessment of run-off. Our system allows an objective assessment of run-off independently of the distal bypass anastomosis level and provides a functional estimation of run-off.     

Inhibitory Fc Gamma Receptors: From Gene to Disease

Multiple lines of evidence have revealed a key role for inhibitory Fc gamma receptors class IIb (FcgammaRIIb) as negative modulators of innate and adaptive immune responses. Acquired and genetic factors regulate the expression of FcgammaRIIb receptors and modify their inhibitory potential. Recent advances have highlighted the importance of FcgammaRIIb receptors in influencing the development of cancer and autoimmunity. The association of increased FcgammaRIIb expression with tumor development is believed to operate at effector cell level resulting in inhibition of antitumor cytotoxicity. In autoimmune diseases, FcgammaRIIb receptors play a major role in controlling the amplitude of antibody- and immune complex-mediated reactions. Generally, FcgammaRIIb deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility and severity to organ-specific and systemic autoimmunity. This article discusses the proposed mechanisms for FcgammaRIIb deregulation associated with malignant and autoimmune pathology in animal models and human diseases.     

Vλ-light chain genes reconstitute immune responses to defined carbohydrate antigens or haptens by utilizing different VH genes

The contribution of the λ-light chain to the development of peripheral B cell repertoire and generation of specific antibodies to haptens and polysaccharide antigens was studied in genetically manipulated kappa-deficient and λ₂-transgenic mice. The results clearly demonstrate a non-stoichiometric V_H gene family expression in the absence of k-light chain and suggest a non-stochastic pairing between V_H and V_λ genes, expressed in the peripheral B cell repertoire. A shift in V_H gene utilization in the case of Vl_λ⁺ antibodies was evident in response to β2–6 fructosan and TNP hapten. These observations demonstrate the availability of compensatory mechanisms in the absence of V_K genes and are consistent with the hypothesis that V_H gene family expression is controlled by genetic factors from inside the V_H locus. Furthermore, genetic factors from outside the V_H locus, namely restricted available light chain diversity, may lead to a shift in V_H gene utilization in the peripheral B cell repertoire.     

Carcinoid tumors, leiomyosarcoma and invasive adenocarcinoma metastasis of the Treitz angle

Our paper studies the quite rare occurrence of the digestive superior occlusive pathology, namely some causes which might induce partial or even total obstruction of the digestive tract, at the distal anatomical limits of the duodenum, also known as the Treitz angle. The first two described cases were carcinoid tumors, obstructive and ulcerated in the lumen of the same angle. The last two cases were an obstructive leiomyosarcoma and an invasive mesenteric metastasis from a right colon cancer, which cause a total external compression of the Treitz angle, clinically manifested as a complete food intolerance, as a first symptom. Concerning the clinical evolution, these are totally different lesions, malign, metastasis and neuroendocrine tumors, which occurred at the same level, had a totally different clinical evolution and surgical approach, only three of them developing at good postoperative course. The imaging, clinical and pathological diagnosis problems, the different specific surgical solutions, the postoperative care and finally the rarity of this level of obstruction of the small bowel, are the aim of this paper.     

Completion gastrectomy associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy

The authors present the case of a male patient, aged 56, operated (partial gastrectomy) for peptic ulcer 20 years ago, who is admitted for epigastric pain and distension, frequent vomiting, asthenia and weight loss. Physical examination, barium meal and upper digestive endoscopy with biopsy established the diagnosis of carcinoma of the gastric stump, due to malignant transformation of adenomatous polyps, with duodenal invasion. Completion of gastrectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed, with good postoperative results. Although the extent of resection may appear excessive, our attitude was justified by the features of the lesion and good biological condition of the patient.     

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma tumours. Evolution, treatment, prognosis

Malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum is a rare neoplasm with a rapidly fatal course. The median survival range is from 5 to 12 months in untreated cases with little improvement seen in patients receiving multimodality therapy. Although most cases occur in the fifth and sixth decades, peritoneal mesothelioma can be seen in any age group. Approximately 30% of all mesotheliomas arise solely from the peritoneum. Asbestos exposure, primarily of the crocidolite variety, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of this malignancy, as was established in South Africa in the 1960s. Half of reported cases have a history of asbestos exposure. The diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is often delayed, in part because of the usually long latent period (peaking at 40-45 years from the time of initial exposure to asbestos) and because the common presenting symptoms of weight loss, usually with a full abdomen, malaise, and abdominal discomfort, are mild and nonspecific. This paper aim is to present a case report regarding a patient diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with an unpredictable evolution.     

The ostomy support team. A reality for ostomates

Stoma is a Greek word meaning mouth or opening. There are many types of surgical stomas and they may be raised on many areas of the abdominal wall. A stoma may be temporary or permanent, may be needed in any age group and may be sited on any part of the abdomen. The specific digestive pathology that could have as result of the surgical management a stoma is represented by colon, rectal and anal cancer, diverticular disease of the colon and rectum, Crohn's disease, ischaemic bowel, volvulus, trauma, Hirschprung disease, imperforate anus, fecal incontinence. This paper aim is to asses the management of fecal stomas and the necessity of a trained ostomy support team.