Activated protein C resistance and lipoprotein (a) in young adults with branch retinal vein occlusion

We investigated the effects of activated protein C resistance (APCR), Factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation, and high lipoprotein (a) levels in 32 young patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) vs 30 controls. No difference between patients with BRVO and controls was found with regard to APCR, FVL mutation, or lipoprotein (a) levels. These factors do not seem important in the etiology of BRVO. The authors have stated that they do not have a significant financial interest or other relationship with any product manufacturer or provider of services discussed in this article. The authors also do not discuss the use of off-label products, which includes unlabeled, unapproved, or investigative products or devices.     

Pancreatobiliary adenosquamous carcinoma (report of two cases)

Adenosquamous carcinomas are rare malignant tumors of the pancreas and periampullary region. We present two cases of pancreatic and periampullary adenosquamous carcinoma with clinicopathologic, histo- and immunohistochemical findings. A 51-year-old and a 48-year-old man presented with right upper quadrant pain of three months duration and jaundice for two weeks. Both cases had an elevation of liver enzymes and CA 19-9. In the first case, computerized tomography showed a 3 cm-mass at the pancreatic head. In the second one, endoscopic retrograde choledocopancreatography (ERCP) revealed a mass at the ampulla Vateri localization. A pancreatoduodenectomy was performed for both cases. Gross pathologic examination displayed a solid, gray-white colored 4 cm-tumor at the pancreatic head and a solid, pink-white colored, 2 cm-tumor at the periampullary region bulging into the duodenal lumen. Microscopically, both tumors were composed of solid nests of squamous cells with pearl formation and mucin-containing glandular cells and diagnoses were adenosquamous carcinoma. Furthermore, histo- and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with microscopic diagnoses.     

Mesoatrial shunt in Budd-Chiari syndrome

BACKGROUND: The operations with proven effects on survival in Budd-Chiari syndrome are shunt operations and liver transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1993 and 1999 (June), 13 cases of Budd-Chiari syndrome have been treated surgically. Four cases had concomitant thrombosis of the inferior vena cava; the others had marked narrowing of the lumen due to the enlarged caudate lobe. Mesoatrial (n = 12) or mesosuperior vena caval (n = 1) shunts were constructed with ringed polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. RESULTS: The median portal pressure fell from 45 (range 32 to 55) to 20 (range 11 to 27) cm H(2)O (P <0.001). Two patients died in the early postoperative period. One patient who did not comply with anticoagulant treatment had a shunt thrombosis in the second postoperative year. The other 10 patients are alive without problems during a median 42 (range 1 to 76) months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Mesoatrial shunt with a ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft is effective in Budd-Chiari syndrome cases with thrombosis or significant stenosis in the inferior vena cava.     

Stafne bone defect in the anterior mandible

Lingual mandibular bone defect, also known as Stafne bone cavity, is mostly seen in the posterior portion of the mandible. Cavities in the anterior region are very unusual, with around 50 cases reported in the English literature. They are often asymptomatic and found during routine radiographic examinations. This article describes a case of anterior Stafne bone cavity in a 56-year-old male patient.