[Diagnostic and prognostic values of flow cytometry in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with bone marrow involvement].

Objective: To analyze the diagnostic and prognostic values of flow cytometry (FC) in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with bone marrow involvement (BMI). Methods: The clinical data of 412 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL, including 243 males and 169 females, aged 64 (28-92) years old, in the Department of Hematology at Peking University Third Hospital from December 2012 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent bone marrow biopsy (BMB) and bone marrow FC. The patients with BMI by FC were further detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for gene analysis. The positive rates and consistency of BMI detected by BMB and FC were evaluated. According to the results of BMB and FC examinations, all patients were divided into four groups: the BMB+FC+group (115 cases), the BMB-FC+group (50 cases), the BMB+FC-group (8 cases, the results did not include in statistical analysis because of small sample size), and the BMB-FC-group (239 cases). The clinical features, treatment response rates, 5-year survival rates, and immunophenotype characteristics by FC in different groups were analyzed. Results: Among the 412 patients with DLBCL, the positivity rates of BMB and FC for BMI detection were 29.9% (123/412) and 40.0% (165/412), respectively. Good consistency between BMB and FC was found (Kappa=0.841, P=0.001). The numbers of extranodal involvement≥2, splenomegaly, huge mass, higher Ki-67 score, higher international prognostic index (IPI) score, thrombocytopenia, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase level were more prevalent in the BMB+FC+group than those in the BMB-FC+group and the BMB-FC-group (all P<0.05). The treatment response rate in BMB+FC+group was 63.5% (73/115), which was lower than those in BMB-FC+group (88.0%, 44/50, P=0.048) and BMB-FC-group (90.0%, 215/239, P=0.032), respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates in three groups were (53.6±9.7) %, (72.5±8.6) %, and (75.2±7.6) %, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.037). According to the FISH results of bone marrow, 102 cases were diagnosed as not otherwise specified (NOS), 48 cases were diagnosed as double hit lymphoma (DHL), and 15 cases were diagnosed as triple hit lymphoma (THL). Compared with NOS subtypes, the tumor cells in DHL or THL subtypes had higher proportion of increased side scatter (SSC), higher positive rates of CD10 expression, CD38 strong expression and CD56 expression, and lower proportion of surface immunoglobulin light chain restriction (all P<0.05). Conclusions: FC is well consistent with BMB in diagnosing DLBCL with BMI. Combined with FISH detection, FC can contribute to the auxiliary diagnosis and risk stratification for DHL and THL, and provide reference for the prognostic evaluation in DLBCL with BMI.

[Retrospective analyses of CHOPE plus L-asparaginase regimen in treatment of T-cell lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate prognostic factors of the T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (T-NHL), and to study the clinical efficacy of CHOPE plus L-asparaginase(L-ASP) regimen for T-NHL. METHODS: Retrospective analyses were made of 61 T-NHL patients who were treated from July 2007 to August 2013. Randomly divided into two groups CHOPE and CHOPE+L group(Based on CHOPE, added with L-ASP on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th day). RESULTS: Of the 61 patients evaluatd with the median survival was 22 (3-65) months,the complete remission rate was 52.50%, the partial remission rate 29.51%, and the response rate 80.01%. The complete remission rate was 57.89%, and the patial remission rate 84.21% in CHOPE+L and the complete remission rate 43.48%, the response rate 78.26% in CHOPE, respectively (both P>0.05). The 1-, 2-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 91.0%, 87.6% and 65.7% respectively (P>0.05). But the overall survival rate in CHOPE+L was significantly higher than that in CHOPE group in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL) (P<0.05). The analysis of the prognostic factors indicated that ENKTCL, the outside junction lesions, and the CR rate were poor factors with statistic significance in T-NHL. CONCLUSION: CHOPE+L regimen has better efficacy for ENKTCL, but whether CHOPE+L regimen is used in the treatment of T-NHL, large prospective clinical trials are worth for further investigation.

[Early immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To search for differences in early immune reconstitution after allogenic or autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). METHODS: The peripheral blood (PB) from 31 adult patients undergoing allogenic HSCT (allo-HSCT, 15 patients) or autologous HSCT (auto-HSCT, 16 patients) for the treatment of hematological malignancies and from 20 related healthy controls (HC) from December 2011 to August 2014 was used to analyze the kinetic recovery of lymphocyte subsets by means of flow cytometry during 12 months after HSCT. The T cell receptor rearrangement excision circle (TREC) levels among CD3(+) T cells were measured in the patients and HC to evaluate the thymic-dependent T cell reconstitution. RESULTS: The allo- and auto-HSCT recipients did not differ significantly in CD4(+) T cells, CD8 naive T cells, effecter memory T cells (TEM), CD4 central memory T cells (TCM), mid-activated T cells and dendritic cells (DC)during the follow-up (P>0.05). But they both differed significantly from HC (P<0.05). CD8(+) T cells and NK cells reconstructed rapidly. There was no significant difference in the numbers of B cells between the allo- and auto-HSCT groups from M1 to M3 (P>0.05). B cells in both the groups were lower than those in HC (P<0.05). The recovery of B cells in auto-HSCT group was faster than in allo-HSCT group at M6 and M12 (P<0.05). The frequencies of CD4 naive T cells and later activated T cells in allo-HSCT group were significantly higher than in auto-HSCT group at M6 and M12 (P<0.05). The frequencies of CD8 TCM in auto-HSCT group were significantly higher than in allo-HSCT group at M6 and M12 (P<0.05). The TREC levels were significantly lower than in both the groups compared with the age-matched HC during the follow-up (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed between allo-HSCT and auto-HSCT groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The differences of the nature and the speed of lymphocyte reconstitution observed between the two patents groups were minor. This leads us to conclude that in allografted patients, immune reconstitution and subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes are probably not related to the allogenicity of the graft, but due to the impaired thymus functions and slow differentiation of T lymphocytes in thymus.

Treatment of ocular fungal infections with oral fluconazole.

PURPOSE: We treated five patients who had ocular fungal infections with oral fluconazole to determine its safety and effectiveness. METHODS: We reviewed the case histories of the five patients. One patient had coccidioidomycosis and four had endogenous Candida endophthalmitis. RESULTS: The intraocular fungal infection resolved in all patients. CONCLUSION: Fluconazole appears to be a safe and effective antifungal agent that can be administered orally and may be a useful agent for treating some intraocular fungal infections.

Tissue addition theory of radial keratotomy: a geometric model.

We examined the use of a geometric model to explain the effects of radial keratotomy (RK) on corneal topography based on wound gape of radial incisions. Histopathologic studies of healed human RK incisions revealed incision gape in Bowman's membrane and anterior stroma, with intervening epithelial ingrowth or fibrous scarring. For six human RK incisions examined centrally, mid-peripherally, and peripherally, the linear separation of the cut ends of Bowman's membrane averaged 0.012 mm, 0.018 mm, and 0.027 mm, respectively. The effect of postoperative corneal flattening of the "addition of tissue" within incisions was mathematically predicted by calculating the effects of inducing radial gape on a spherical shell. The predicted change in corneal curvature agreed closely with data from a human case report. The "tissue addition" theory may partly explain the change in corneal topography following RK and subsequent wound healing.

Echographic characteristics of ocular toxocariasis.

Ocular toxocariasis most commonly presents as one of three distinct clinical syndromes: endophthalmitis, localized posterior granuloma, or peripheral granuloma. Using standardized echography, the authors studied 11 toxocariasis patients presenting with one of these syndromes. Common echographic findings were noted in ten of these patients, and included: (1) a solid, high-reflective peripheral mass, (2) a vitreous band or membranes extending between the posterior pole and the mass, and (3) a traction retinal detachment or fold from the posterior pole to the mass. These findings were present in patients presenting with leukocoria or endophthalmitis, as well as in patients in whom the peripheral nematode lesion could be visualized clinically. In combination with the history, clinical examination, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), standardized echography may be useful in establishing the diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis in cases of leukocoria in which nematode endophthalmitis is suspected.

Visual loss caused by rapidly progressive intracranial meningiomas during pregnancy.

Three cases of intracranial meningiomas occurring in young pregnant women are presented. The typical growth pattern of these tumors is slow, producing insidious and chronic visual disturbances. In contrast, during pregnancy meningiomas may follow a rapidly progressive course, producing dramatic and relatively acute visual loss. This accelerated growth pattern is probably mediated by hormone receptors in these tumors. Nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms caused by the tumor may be attributed to pregnancy, delaying the diagnosis. Symptoms may abate spontaneously after delivery only to recur with greater rapidity and severity during subsequent pregnancies. Hormone-responsive intracranial meningiomas must be considered in the differential diagnosis of visual disturbances during pregnancy. Close cooperation between the ophthalmologist, neurosurgeon, obstetrician, and neonatologist is essential for an optimal outcome. Although surgical excision remains the treatment of choice, hormonal therapy may be valuable in treating unresectable or partially resectable meningiomas.

Conjunctival melanocytic lesions in children.

Seventy-one conjunctival melanocytic proliferations in patients 20 years of age or younger were examined. Sixty-five (91.5%) were nevi; there were three cases (4.2%) of racial or acquired melanosis, and three patients were identified who had malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva. The melanoma patients are presented in detail, and additional cases of conjunctival melanoma in children and adolescents reported in the literature are reviewed to determine factors that might influence prognosis. The number of cases is so small, however, that factors cannot be identified with confidence. Follow-up data are presented. Conjunctival nevi are relatively common in children, and appear to carry no risk for the development of melanoma during childhood. However, -conjunctival melanomas do occur rarely in children and have a variable prognosis.

The theory of corneal curvature change with the Intrastromal Corneal Ring.

The Intrastromal Corneal Ring (ICR) is a new corneal implant designed to alter anterior corneal curvature. After insertion into the peripheral corneal stroma, the ring may be mechanically expanded or constricted. We constructed a mathematical model to assess the amount of corneal flattening or steepening that might result from ICR expansion or constriction, respectively. The model predicted increased corneal flattening with increasing expansion of the ICR circumference. Progressive corneal steepening with increasing constriction of ICR circumference was predicted. Incremental reductions in initial ring diameter sizes resulted in increased degrees of predicted corneal flattening or steepening. The mathematical model of the ICR function illustrates the potential of the ICR to correct myopia or hyperopia.

Orbital myositis involving the oblique muscles. An echographic study.

Idiopathic orbital myositis is a common nonspecific orbital inflammatory syndrome that can involve one or more of the extraocular muscles. Oblique muscle involvement is infrequently reported, possibly because such involvement is difficult to identify clinically or by computed tomography (CT). The authors reviewed seven cases of orbital myositis involving the oblique muscles solely or in association with rectus muscle involvement. Standardized echography demonstrated homogeneous low-reflective enlargement, diagnostic of myositis, of the superior and inferior oblique muscles and tendons along their courses. The finding of massive inferior chemosis was associated with involvement of the inferior oblique muscle. Although the disease typically responds to therapy with systemic steroids, residual gaze restriction may occur. The oblique muscles may be frequently involved in idiopathic orbital myositis when evaluated by standardized orbital echography. In these cases, echography provides rapid, accurate, and reliable confirmation of the diagnosis of myositis, differentiates other orbital inflammatory diseases, and provides an objective measure of the therapeutic response.

Prevalence, pathophysiology, and treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in treated cytomegalovirus retinitis.

Seventeen patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome and cytomegalovirus retinitis were treated with the antiviral drug ganciclovir (9-[1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy-methyl]-guanine, DHPG). Eight eyes of five patients developed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after initiation of treatment. Multiple breaks in areas of peripheral, healed, atrophic retina accounted for the detachments. All seven eyes that underwent surgery had extensive retinal detachments that were reattached with vitrectomy and silicone oil. Retinotomy and retinal tacks were necessary in two cases that were complicated by severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy. In the fellow eye of one patient, laser treatment was used prophylactically to wall off a peripheral patch of healed retinitis. Endoretinal biopsies and culture were taken in five eyes; evidence of persistent cytomegalovirus was seen in two cases despite concurrent and clinically effective antiviral therapy.

The clinical characteristics and course of adult gonococcal conjunctivitis.

We studied 21 cases of adult conjunctivitis caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, confirmed by either Gram's stain or culture, that were seen between 1972 and 1986. The patients, typically young men, had irritation or pain, a copious purulent discharge, and marked conjunctival inflammation. Keratitis, anterior chamber inflammation, periocular edema and tenderness, gaze restriction, and preauricular lymphadenopathy were common. All patients were hospitalized and treated with high doses of parenterally administered antibiotics. Two patients had severe ulcerative keratitis at initial examination, which ultimately resulted in light-perception visual acuity, despite antibiotic therapy and keratoplasty. In the remainder of the patients, corneal involvement was milder and transient, and treatment with parenteral penicillin and topical antibiotics was uniformly effective in reversing the course of the infection and preventing significant visual loss. Careful ophthalmologic and microbiologic monitoring is suggested to prevent possible complications caused by penicillin-resistant strains.

Pupillary-block glaucoma associated with childhood cystinosis.

Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that results in the widespread accumulation of cystine crystals in ocular tissues as well as in bone marrow, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and kidneys. We treated a case of pupillary-block glaucoma in a 19-year-old woman caused by cystine accumulation in the iris stroma. Trabeculectomy and iridectomy relieved the pupillary block and decreased the intraocular pressure. Histologic examination disclosed the presence of crystals in the conjunctival and iris stroma and in the iris pigment epithelium. Crystals were also found within conjunctival mast cell granules, confirming the lysosomal nature of cystinosis.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lacrimal gland. Case report and review of the literature.

A 12-year-old girl was diagnosed as having mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lacrimal gland. To our knowledge, only 14 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lacrimal gland have been reported in the literature; this is the first case occurring in a child. Clinically, this tumor presented as a painless proptosis with inferonasal displacement of the globe. Histologically, it showed infiltrating lobules of neoplastic cells consisting of epidermoid cells admixed with mucin-containing cells and a mild lymphocytic infiltration in the stroma. The mucous cells stained positively with periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian blue, and mucicarmine dyes, but resisted digestion with hyaluronidase. This case illustrates that one should not exclude any diagnostic possibility just because the patient does not seem to belong to the appropriate age group.

Keratocyte survival following a controlled-rate freeze.

One of the major drawbacks of cryorefractive surgery is the delay in the postoperative recovery of corneal clarity. The authors have hypothesized that this delay is due to the death of graft keratocytes caused by the freezing process, and the need for subsequent repopulation by host keratocytes to restore corneal clarity. By using a slow, controlled-rate freeze on a modified Barraquer cryolathe, the authors are able to maintain keratocyte viability in the graft corneal tissue, as assessed by standard histologic methods and by collagenase digestion. Maintenance of keratocyte viability results in the rapid return of corneal clarity following lamellar keratoplasty in the rabbit, with few of the histopathologic changes seen following standard rapid freezing of corneal tissue.