Primary trapeziectomy with Regjoint(TM), a poly-L/D-lactide spacer, a two-year follow-up study with new radiological assessment tool.

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the potential bony erosion and the clinical and radiological results of primary trapeziectomy with RegjointTM interposition, in patients with peritrapezial arthritis. Data were recorded on twenty patients over a period of two years (January 2015-December 2016). On average 24 months, patients were reconvened for a post-operative evaluation (subjective evaluation of pain, function and patient satisfaction; clinical evaluation with strength and mobility measures; post-operative X-rays). On X-rays, 2 criteria were evaluated: the bony erosion and the shortening of the thumb column (trapezium+metacarpal height measure, ratio between first and second metacarpal bones, a new radiological assessment tool based on a trapezoid relationship gradation). In most patients, surgery relieved pain and offered good functional results, according to the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale. Following surgery, our patients showed a subjective improvement, both in terms of pain and functional results. For plain X-ray, only 3 patients showed an osteolytic lesion (maximum of 2.8 millimeters) on the first metacarpal base. A statistically significant reduction in the thumb column height was generally observed on follow-up X-rays. However, all of these radiologic changes were present without any clinical impact. We show that the RegjointTM spacer is an available alternative in the surgical treatment of peritrapezial arthritis. We did not highlight any significant associated complications, no important adverse tissue reaction or bone erosion, no pain or functional disorder. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.

Sclerodermiform Cell Epithelioma of the Palpebromalar Region.

This report describes a recurrent sclerodermiform basal cell epithelioma of the malar region next to the inferior eyelid in a 57-year-old woman. Three interventions were necessary to obtain a clear margin of resection. The area of resection was closed with a local cutaneous flap. We report a rare basal cell carcinoma subtype underestimated in its aggressiveness with often inadequate medical and surgical management. This tumor, generally localized in the face, often requires aggressive surgery, and aesthetic results can be poor. The patients require close long-term follow-up even when margins are clear. General practitioners, dermatologists, and surgeons should be aware of sclerodermiform basal cell carcinoma, which is a malignant, aggressive, and recurrent tumor.

Morphological Retrospective Study of Peritoneal Biopsies from Patients with Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: Underestimated Role of Adipocytes as New Fibroblasts Lineage?

Background. Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Besides the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), recently peritoneal adipocytes emerged as a potential source of fibrosis. We performed immunohistochemistry to approach EMT and to localize peritoneal adipocytes in peritoneal biopsies from PD-related EPS patients. Material and Methods. We investigated tissue expression of podoplanin, cytokeratin AE1/AE3 (mesothelium), calretinin (adipocytes), alpha-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA] (mesenchymal cells), interstitial mononuclear cell inflammation, and neoangiogenesis (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68, and CD31 immunostainings, resp.). Results. Three patients (1 man/2 women; 17, 64, and 39 years old, resp.) developed EPS after 21, 90, and 164 months of PD therapy. In patients with EPS, we observed (1) loss of AE1/AE3 cytokeratin+ mesothelial cells without any evidence of migration into the interstitium, (2) disappearance of adipose tissue, (3) diffuse infiltration of calretinin+ cells in the areas of submesothelial fibrosis with a huge number of α-SMA and calretinin+ fusiform cells, and (4) increased vascular density. Conclusion. We report that the involvement of EMT in peritoneal fibrosis is difficult to demonstrate and that the calretinin+ adipocytes might be an underestimated component and a new source of myofibroblasts in peritoneal remodeling during PD-related EPS.

Mycobacterium fortuitum and Polymicrobial Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Mycobacterium fortuitum is a ubiquitous, rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM). It is the most commonly reported NTM in peritoneal dialysis (PD) associated peritonitis. We report a case of a 52-year-old man on PD, who developed refractory polymicrobial peritonitis necessitating PD catheter removal and shift to hemodialysis. Thereafter, M. fortuitum was identified in the PD catheter culture and in successive cultures of initial peritoneal effluent and patient was treated with amikacin and ciprofloxacin for six months with a good and sustained clinical response. Months after completion of the course of antibiotics, the patient successfully returned to PD. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of M. fortuitum peritonitis in the field of polymicrobial PD peritonitis. It demonstrates the diagnostic yield of pursuing further investigations in cases of refractory PD peritonitis. In a systematic review of the literature, only 20 reports of M. fortuitum PD peritonitis were identified. Similar to our case, a delay in microbiological diagnosis was frequently noted and the Tenckhoff catheter was commonly removed. However, the type and duration of antibiotic therapy varied widely making the optimal treatment unclear.