Imaging in secondary tumors of the ovary

Abdominal Radiology - Metastatic involvement of the ovaries is not rare. The most common tumor types metastasizing to the ovaries, from non-gynecological organs, are breast, colorectal, gastric,...     

Effects of heparin on the vasodilator action of protamine in the rabbit mesenteric artery.

1. The effects of protamine on the rabbit isolated small mesenteric artery were investigated both in the presence and in the absence of heparin, by the isometric tension-recording method. 2. The dissociation constant for the binding of heparin to protamine has never been previously reported, so in order to minimize the effects of protamine, known to have a vasodilator action, and to examine only the effects of a heparin-protamine complex, the experiments with heparin were performed in the presence of high concentrations of heparin (21-700 u ml-1), concentrations at which heparin itself does not affect the vascular tone. 3. Protamine (15-500 micrograms ml-1), in the absence of heparin, was found to inhibit (P < 0.05) noradrenaline (1 microM)-induced contractions both in endothelium-intact and in endothelium-denuded tissues. 4. Such vasodilator action of protamine in either endothelium-intact or -denuded tissues continued, even in the presence of excess heparin at a heparin/protamine (H/P) ratio of 1.4 u micrograms -1, but was almost completely blocked in the presence of a much greater excess of heparin (H/P ratio > or = 4.7 u micrograms -1): heparin was present both before and during the application of protamine. 5. The vasodilator action of protamine in the absence of heparin was prolonged both in the endothelium-intact and -denuded tissues after protamine had been washed out from the bath with Krebs solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Negative serology: could exclude the diagnosis of brucellosis?

Two cases of brucellar spondylodiscitis of the lumbar area were presented. Although both cases showed typical radiological changes, serological tests could not detect Brucella agglutinating antibodies. One of the patients was bacteremic and Brucella spp. was identified from blood culture. In the second patient needle biopsy was required for definite diagnosis. Although small, serologic tests have a certain rate of false negative results in brucellosis. Thus, a negative serology should not exclude the diagnosis of brucellosis, as it is demonstrated in the current cases.     

High-resolution computed tomography findings in a case of severe leptospira infection (Weil disease) complicated with Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction

In this report, we describe a case of Weil disease. Chest x-ray and computed tomography (CT) findings showed temporary deterioration 1 day after the initiation of antibiotic treatment, and high-resolution CT findings with the patient's physical findings made us suspect pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage (PAH). We believed that the PAH had been induced by Weil disease and subsequently caused Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. We confirmed the patient's contact history with mice, and symptoms improved immediately after starting appropriate treatments. Leptospirosis is a relatively rare cause of PAH. Therefore, the possibility of this disease should be included in the differential diagnosis, especially when high-resolution CT findings indicate PAH, and the imaging findings deteriorate rapidly after antibiotic therapy.     

Surgical treatment of hereditary lens subluxations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and results of pars plana vitreolensectomy approach with transscleral fixation of intraocular lens in hereditary lens subluxations. METHODS: Fifteen eyes of 9 consecutive patients with a mean age of 12.8+/-6.2 years (6-26 years) with hereditary lens subluxation were operated on and the results were evaluated in a prospective study. Surgery was considered if best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was less than 20/70. All eyes underwent a 2-port pars plana vitreolensectomy and transscleral fixation of an intraocular lens (IOL). RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 12.6+/-7.5 months (6-22 months). There was no major intraoperative complication. Preoperatively, 8 eyes (53.3%) had a BSCVA of counting fingers (CF) and 7 eyes (46.6%) had a BSCVA of 20/200 to 20/70. Postoperatively, 14 eyes (93.3%) had a BSCVA of 20/50 or better. None of the patients had IOL decentration or intraocular pressure (IOP) increase during the follow-up period. There was a macular hole formation in 1 eye postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The early results of pars plana vitreolensectomy with IOL implantation using scleral fixation technique had shown that it not only promises a rapid visual rehabilitation but it is also a relatively safe method. More serious complications, however, may occur in the long term.     

Development of severe lactic acidosis during radio frequency ablation conducted for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomata in a patient with liver cirrhosis

A 60-year-old male with liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class B) underwent laparotomic radio frequency ablation for the treatment of a solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (-4.5 cm in diameter). Severe lactic acidosis (base excess < -12 mEq.l-1, lactate > 150 mg.dl-1) developed during the intraoperative period, when neither his hemodynamics nor arterial oxygenation was significantly impaired. The blood loss was small (-200 g), and the serum hemoglobin level was maintained -10 g.dl-1 during the procedure. There was no evidence for impairment of either peripheral perfusion or renal function. In addition, there was no evidence for development of either splanchnic ischemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Thus, the acidosis appeared to be caused by significant impairment of liver function possibly resulting from the ablation (total ablation time = -60 min). The core temperature increased rapidly (-1.5 degrees C/60 hr) immediately after the ablation was started, suggesting that a large amount of heat was produced in the ablated area and/or that the vicinity of the ablated area was richly supplied by blood flow. As a result, intact liver cells in the vicinity of the tumor probably suffered from thermal injuries. In conclusion, depending on preoperative liver function, ablated area, and/or blood flow in the vicinity of ablated area, the ablation may become significantly invasive.     

Efficacy of transvaginal contrast-enhanced MRI in the early staging of cervical carcinoma

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transvaginal contrast for local staging of cervical carcinoma. Fifty patients diagnosed with cervical carcinoma prospectively underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging before and after vaginal opacification (VO) with a mixture of 25 ml saline and 25 ml barium. T2-weighted (T2W) TSE images in axial and sagittal planes were compared before and after vaginal opacification. Dynamic T1W images in sagittal and fat-suppressed T1W images in transverse planes were also evaluated after intravenous contrast administration. Involvement of vaginal wall, lumen, and fornices; parametrium; rectum; and bladder were noted. Changes in local tumor staging and in treatment planning were also assessed after vaginal opacification. MR results were later compared with surgical pathological findings. Twenty-eight patients who went through surgical staging were included in the study. VO did not change any of the MR interpretations in 14 patients (50%). Correct staging was achieved with T2W TSE images with and without VO (in sagittal and transverse planes) in 78.5% and 50% of the patients, respectively. VO correctly lowered staging in seven and increased it in three patients compared with sagittal standard T2W images. Treatment planning was also changed in four (14%) of these patients. When overall accuracy of MR staging to indicate the appropriate treatment was evaluated, patients would have received the proper treatment in 90% and 79% of the cases when only T2W sagittal images with and without VO were evaluated, respectively. Dynamic gradient-echo images in sagittal planes and postcontrast T1W images in transverse planes evaluated with T2W series after VO, accomplished correct staging in 23 (82%) of the patients. MRI staging in early cervical cancer may be difficult and overestimated, especially if the tumor is slightly extended into the proximal vagina. Use of vaginal contrast medium is an easy, well-tolerated, and effective method to better delineate the borders of the tumor. It increases the specificity and accuracy of MR staging by showing the exact relation of the tumor with the vaginal wall and beyond.     

Recurrent extraperitoneal low grade leiomyosarcoma with unusual localization

Primary extragenital leiomyosarcoma is rarely found in pelvic localization. A 33-year-old multiparous woman who had recurrent low-grade leiomyosarcoma presented with the complaints of dyspareunia, pelvic pain and gait disturbance. Her past medical history revealed she had been subjected to maximal excision of a paravaginal mass by using vaginal and suprapubic transverse incision three years before. The pathology report showed that she had leiomyoma. Three years after the initial surgery, a paravaginal fixed mass was observed at the initial tumor bed and removed by the perineal approach. The histological examination of the specimen revealed a low grade leiomyosarcoma. She was discharged from hospital without any complications.