Relationship between the retinacula cutis and sagging facial skin.

BACKGROUND: Sagging skin is one of the most concerning esthetic issues for elderly individuals. Although reduced skin elasticity has been reported as the cause of sagging skin, a loss of skin elasticity alone is insufficient to explain sagging facial skin. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying sagging skin, with a focus on the subcutaneous network of collagenous fibers known as the retinacula cutis (RC). METHODS: To evaluate the structure of the RC noninvasively, tomographic images of the face were obtained using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The RC was identified by comparing MRI results with histological specimens of human skin. A descriptive scale was used to evaluate the degree of sagging, and a device equipped with a 6-mm-diameter probe was used to measure the elasticity of deeper skin layers and evaluate the physical properties of the skin. RESULTS: The density of RC in subcutaneous tissue correlated negatively with sagging scores and positively with elasticity. CONCLUSION: These results imply that a sparse RC structure contributes to a reduction in the elasticity of subcutaneous tissue, resulting in a greater degree of sagging facial skin. These findings are expected to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying sagging skin.

Analysis of morphological changes after facial massage by a novel approach using three-dimensional computed tomography.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Photograph-based visual scoring has been used for evaluation of facial morphological changes. Here, we describe a three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) method for objective analysis of facial and intra-facial (subcutaneous) changes. The effects of facial massage were examined using both methods. METHODS: Subjects were 12 healthy female volunteers without facial scars or deformation (age 30-54 years, mean 39.4 years). Photograph-based scoring of massage-induced morphological changes was done at the nasolabial folds, upper, lower and lateral cheeks and lower eyelids. For 3D-CT evaluation, the virtual center axis (VCA) was set as the cranio-caudal longitudinal line, and the VCA-skin surface distances (VSDs) were measured. Massage-induced changes of VSD were calculated (facial massage-induced change rate, FMCR). Intra-facial (subcutaneous) changes were also evaluated. RESULTS: Photograph-based scoring revealed marked morphological changes of the nasolabial folds after facial massage, and changes of the lower, upper and lateral cheeks and lower eyelid were also observed in more than half of the subjects. FMCR values were significantly changed in the paranasal area, nasolabial fold area and cranial part of the mandibular area. Photograph-based scores at the lower cheek and lower eyelid were well correlated with FMCR in the inferior part of the nasolabial fold and the mandibular area, respectively. Massage-induced changes of subcutaneous fat tissues and facial expression muscles were also apparent on CT images. CONCLUSION: 3D-CT imaging is useful for objective evaluation of the effects of facial massage, including anatomical changes in subcutaneous structures.

Idiopathic portal hypertension and lower limb lymphedema.

Idiopathic lymphedema is a condition where lymph accumulates in subcutaneous tissue without a clear cause. Likewise, idiopathic portal hypertension is a syndrome where intrahepatic peripheral portal branch obstruction causes portal hypertension without a clear cause. We encountered a 37-year-old man with both idiopathic lymphedema and idiopathic portal hypertension. He had a history of right lower limb edema and epigastric varices since childhood with repeated cellulitis in the affected limb. Lymph accumulation and dilation of collateral lymph pathways in the right lower limb were observed by indocyanine green and lymphoscintigraphy, and a serpentine thoracic duct was observed using MRI. Idiopathic portal hypertension and idiopathic lymphedema were diagnosed, and peripheral lymphaticovenous anastomosis was performed for treatment of lymphedema. The limb circumference improved, and the frequency of cellulitis decreased. It is postulated that an abnormality in the embryonic cardinal vein before lymph vessel differentiation could be a possible mechanism of the dual pathologic conditions.

[Which tube is better for esophagectomy?].

We performed differential lung ventilation for thoracoscopic esophagectomy. There are 2 tools available for differential lung ventilation: double lumen tube (DLT) and endbronchial blocker tube (blocker). We reviewed the best tube by studying esophageal cancer perioperative findings in thoracoscopic esophagectomy. We examined 85 esophagectomy cases from 2007, in which we used a blocker combined with a spiral tracheal tube or DLT. An average of 1.5 times displacement of the blocker occurred in blocker cases and resulted in ventilation inability requiring a surgical interruption. Because bronchial displacement was present, 2 cases had to block it in an intermediate bronchial trunk. In DLT cases, tube movement was not seen and we could maintain good ventilation. However, lymph node dissection (LND) was difficult in DLT cases and DLT required exchange via a spiral tube for cervical LND. Next, we compared 4 DLTs, and found that the phi con DLT tube was the best because of its pliability. We concluded that the best tube for esophagectomy is a phi con DLT because it allows easy control of the differential lung ventilation and this tube does not interfere with surgery.

[Evaluation of imaging before lung volume reduction surgery for pulmonary emphysema; fused image of multi-detector row computed tomography and scintigram].

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is performed as surgical therapy for severe pulmonary emphysema. In assessing diagnostic imaging indications, emphysematous change is the strongest in the thoracic computed tomography (CT), while the accumulation decrease is most remarkable in ventilation scintigram and lung perfusion scintigram. Preoperative evaluation of imaging using multidetector-row CT (MDCT) and scintigram were performed, and the multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) image of the MD CT and the single photon emission CT (SPECT) image of the scintigram were fused by the workstation. It was possible to evaluate the excision and the range of LVRS easily by looking at the fused image, and it was useful in deciding on the surgical approach. It is believed that accurate, comprehensible imaging information contributed to an improvement in the surgical outcome of LVRS.

[Imaging aid for thoracoscopic thymectomy; thymic vein visualization].

The spread and progress of thoracoscopic surgery has been remarkable. There are many important organs and blood vessels in the mediastinal space, thus, as inadvertent injury invites serious consequences, it is necessary to understand the anatomical position of existing structures. When enucleating the thymoma under a thoracoscope, one of the blood vessels to be careful about is the thymic vein. Therefore, we examined whether the thymic vein could be confirmed using a multidetector-row computed tomography (MD CT). We believed we could understand the anatomical position of the thymic vein by analyzing the high resolution slice data provided in MD CT using a work station. The diameter of the thymic is from a little less than 1 mm to 3 mm, and there were individual variations in position and the number of the vein. The thymic vein flowed into the left brachiocephalic vein in many cases. In some cases, the thymic vein flowed into the right internal thoracic vein or superior vena cava. It appears that visualization of the thymic vein could provide useful data when performing thoracoscopic thymectomy.

Development of Graves' ophthalmopathy and uveitis after radioiodine therapy for Graves' disease in a patient with HTLV-I associated myelopathy (HAM).

HTLV-I carriers or patients with HTLV-I associated myelopathy (HAM) are prone to immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. We present a 44-year-old female with HAM who developed Graves' disease. She developed severe Graves' ophthalmopathy shortly after 131I therapy, concurrently with a remarkable increase in TSH-receptor antibody titer. Ophthalmopathy was aggravated in spite of prednisolone therapy and euthyroidism being maintained by thyroxine replacement. Uveitis also developed after 131I therapy and iridocyclitis finally required trabeculotomy. This case suggests that HAM patients may have a higher risk of immune-mediated Graves' ophthalmopathy after 131I therapy.

[A study of rCBF measurement with autoradiography (ARG) method using N-isopropyl-p-[123I]iodoamphetamine (IMP) and SPECT--comparison of rCBF values between look-up table (TLU) and ARG methods, and evaluation of venous blood samplings as a substitute for arterial blood sampling].

Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) values obtained by the TLU method with two 123I-IMP SPECT scans and one point arterial blood sampling and rCBF obtained by the ARG method with one 123I-IMP SPECT scan and fixed distribution volume (Vd) values were compared in 17 cases. A case with post ischemic hyperperfusion or luxury perfusion was not observed in our cases. The correlation coefficients between rCBF values and Vd values obtained by the TLU method were 0.49 (p < 0.001) in 184 ROI without hypoactive areas on the early image, and 0.61 (p < 0.001) in 207 ROI with hypoactive areas, respectively. A high rCBF value with a low Vd value was not observed in any region. Mean Vd value was 44.0 +/- 7.0 (mean +/- SD) in all regions. The correlation coefficients between rCBF values using the TLU method and those using the ARG method with Vd fixed at 44 and 50 were also 0.98. Error of the rCBF value was larger in the region of high rCBF, however, noticeable error of the rCBF value was not observed in the ARG method. The ARG method is more convenient for quantifying rCBF. Venous blood radioactivity at 10 min after 123I-IMP infusion was smaller than arterial blood radioactivity, and the blood activity in the distal vein was larger than that in the proximal vein. The ratio of venous blood activity to arterial blood activity was 0.92 +/- 0.04 (mean +/- SD) at the back of the hand, however, the ratio was a variant in each case. Arterial sampling was thought to be a reliable method to obtain more stable and precise rCBF.

[99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy for the detection of parathyroid lesions in patients with hyperparathyroidism].

The usefulness of 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy for the detection of parathyroid lesions was evaluated in 17 patients with hyperparathyroidism. Delayed image was used to evaluate the lesions. Detectability of MIBI for parathyroid lesions was 86% (18/21). The smallest lesion detected was parathyroid hyperplasia weighted 270 mg. Ectopic parathyroid adenoma and bone metastases of parathyroid carcinoma were clearly demonstrated. Detectability of MIBI scintigraphy for the lesions including ectopic and metastatic lesions was the highest among those of ultrasonography, CT and MRI methods. MIBI scintigraphy was thought to be useful for the detection of parathyroid lesions, especially for ectopic and metastatic lesions.

The organic composition of earwax.

Earwax is a mixture of desquamated keratinocytes and hair combined with the secretions of both the ceruminous and the sebaceous glands of the external ear canal. This study analyzed earwax using the combination analytical technique of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The major organic components of earwax identified were long chain fatty acids, both saturated and unsaturated, alcohols, squalene and cholesterol. This study demonstrated that it is not currently possible to quantify statistically the substances which constitute earwax with accuracy. The presence of foreign substances within earwax was identified as a complicating factor in the analysis of earwax.

Diagnosis of rhinoliths with rigid endoscopy.

Three cases of rhinolithiasis are presented in which the diagnosis was facilitated by rigid endoscopic nasal examination. Coronal CT scans were used to delineate accurately the size and site of the rhinoliths. Neutron activation analysis was used in their elemental analysis.

[Mediastinal lymph node metastasis from esophageal carcinoma: CT assessment with pathologic correlation].

Computed tomographic (CT) scans were performed in 179 patients with esophageal carcinoma to evaluate mediastinal lymph node metastasis. Histopathologic findings were compared with CT findings in a total of 7,218 resected lymph nodes. First, the criterion for lymph node metastasis on CT scans was 10 mm or more in long transverse diameter. The overall sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) were 19% (60 of 317 nodes) and 33% (60 of 180 nodes), respectively. Analysis of each of the eight subgroups of mediastinal nodes revealed that the PPV was more than 70% in node Nos. 105, 108, 110, and 112. In other subgroups, however, the PPV was less than 60%. Sensitivity was less than 50% in all eight subgroups. Second, the criterion for metastasis was 10 mm or more in short transverse diameter. The overall sensitivity and PPV were 8% (26 of 317 nodes) and 63% (26 of 41 nodes), respectively. Analysis of subgroups showed that the PPV in No. 106 nodes increased to 92%. In No. 106 nodes, use of a 5 mm criterion in long transverse diameter increased sensitivity to only 55%. Of the 317 histopathologically proven metastatic lymph nodes, 90 nodes (28%) were 10 mm or more in size, 112 (35%) were 5-10 mm, and 115 (36%) were less than 5 mm. Of the 6,901 non-metastatic lymph nodes, 473 nodes (7%) were 10 mm or more in size. Small (less than 5 mm in size) metastatic nodes were present in all eight subgroups. Among No. 107 and 109 nodes, large (10 mm or more in size) nonmetastatic nodes were prominent, resulting in low sensitivity and PPV. We conclude that CT does not provide an accurate assessment of metastatic versus non-metastatic mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with esophageal carcinoma.

[Usefulness and limitations of 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy for detection of parathyroid lesions].

To evaluate the usefulness of MIBI scintigraphy (MIBI) for parathyroid lesions, the detectability of lesions by MIBI was compared with that by Tl-Tc subtraction imaging, ultrasonography, CT and MRI in 56 histologically proved lesions. In neck lesions, ultrasonography (92%) and MIBI (85%) showed better detectability than those by the other three modalities. With MIBI, detectability was decreased for smaller parathyroid lesions that coexisted with thyroid disease. Among the five modalities, MIBI showed the highest detectability (88%) for ectopic or metastatic lesions. The smallest parathyroid lesions detected by MIBI were a parathyroid adenoma weighing 220mg and a parathyroid hyperplasia weighing 200mg. MIBI was thought to be more valuable for ectopic or metastatic parathyroid lesions.

[A gastrointestinal radiographic study of 18 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma arising from Barrett's epithelium].

Gastrointestinal radiographs were reviewed with pathological correlation in 18 patients with histologically proven esophageal adenocarcinoma arising from Barrett's epithelium. Comparison was also made with postoperative radiographs of resected esophageal specimens from 3 of the patients. Esophageal carcinoma could be observed in the gastrointestinal radiographs in 17 of the 18 patients. In 14 of the 17, the classification based on the gastrointestinal radiographs was consistent with the gross classification. In 10 of the 18 patients, rough mucosa was seen on gastrointestinal radiographs in the same area in which Barrett's epithelium was observed in the histopathological specimens. Sliding esophageal hiatus hernia was present in 12 of the 18 patients, a relatively high incidence. Regular granular or reticular shadows were observed on the mucosal surface of the esophagus on the postoperative radiographs of 3 patients. It is believed that a diagnosis of Barrett's epithelium can be made from gastrointestinal radiographs if these mucosal patterns are present. Although a definitive diagnosis of Barrett's epithelium based on upper gastrointestinal radiographs is considered difficult, the presence of rough mucosa in the esophagus around the carcinoma in combination with esophageal hiatus hernia are suggestive of esophageal adenocarcinoma arising from Barrett's epithelium.

Hepatitis C virus core mutations reduce the sensitivity of a fluorescence enzyme immunoassay.

Four of 107 samples obtained from hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers showed lower HCV core antigen levels in a fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) than expected from corresponding HCV RNA levels. Nucleotide sequencing revealed a mutation in the HCV core region (Thr49Pro) that appears to have reduced the FEIA sensitivity.