Search for the G spot: microvessel and nerve mapping of the paraurethral anterior vaginal wall.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Orgasm and other sexual responses such as pain, arousal and lubrication may be mediated by nerve fibers and vessels in the lamina propria and muscularis of the vaginal wall, in which case the number of nerve fibers and vessels would be associated with sexual functions. The aim of the study is to map the distribution of nerves and vessels in the anterior vaginal wall along the paraurethral region in a systematic fashion. METHODS: Specimens were taken from women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse undergoing colporrhaphy anterior repair. All specimens were mapped in a standard way starting 15 mm proximal to the external urethral orifice. Selected blocks of samples were immunohistochemically stained: actin, smooth muscle Ab-1 and S100 Protein Ab-1. The numbers of microvessels and nerves in the lamina propria and muscularis were counted in five consecutive high-power fields of a light microscope. Pairwise comparisons of proximal, distal, right and left paravaginal microvessel and nerve fiber density were analyzed with paired-sample t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Vaginal nerve fibers in the lamina propria and muscularis have a fairly even distribution in the anterior vaginal wall. Vaginal small vessel vascularization and microvascularization are also evenly distributed, with no concentrated site along the paraurethral region of the anterior vaginal wall. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve fiber, nerve bundle, microvessel and small vessel densities in the lamina propria and muscularis were fairly regular, with no concentrated site on the paraurethral region of the anterior vaginal wall.

A rat hysteropexy model for evaluating adhesion formation and comparison of two different structured meshes.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Peritonization of mesh during sacrohysteropexy is generally advocated to prevent adhesions to the viscera; however, randomized clinical trials are lacking, and peritonization may not be completely possible in a laparoscopic hysteropexy procedure. Our main objective was to describe a basic experimental rat sacrohysteropexy model. We hypothesized that even when peritoneal closure was omitted, using composite mesh would result in less adhesions to the viscera. METHODS: Twenty in-bred female virgin Wistar Hannover rats were used in this study. Standardized hysteropexy procedure and adhesion model is described step by step with two different mesh materials: polypropylene and a composite polyester. Mesh was anchored between the posterior cervix and anterior longitudinal ligament of the lumbar vertebrae. Macroscopic adhesion scores and histopathological tissue reaction was investigated. RESULTS: Macroscopically, the surface area involved in adhesions was similar between groups. However, adhesions in the polypropylene group were more dense, required sharp dissection for lysis, and yielded higher total macroscopic adhesion scores (p < 0.001). Histologically, a more pronounced host inflammatory response was encountered in the polyester group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We describe a rat hysteropexy model and a previously established uterine adhesion model. Adhesion scores in the composite mesh group were lower, and bowel involvement was not seen. Our findings are promising, and further research investigating antiadhesive composite mesh use for hysterosacropexy would be appropriate, especially when peritoneal closure is omitted.

New Markers in Atherosclerosis: Thrombospondin-2 (THBS-2) and Leukocyte Cell-Derived Chemotaxin-2 (LECT-2); An Immunohistochemical Study.

BACKGROUND Current research investigating the role of THBS2 and LECT-2 in atherogenesis is very limited. Therefore, we designed this study to demonstrate the role of THBS-2 and LECT-2 in atherosclerosis at the tissue level in fresh specimens. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 32 patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery were enrolled. Aortic wall punch biopsies were obtained at the site of proximal aortosaphenous bypass graft anastomosis. A specimen of left internal mammarian artery (LiMA) was taken from the segment just proximal to its anastomosis. The aortic tissue is representive of the atherosclerotic tisue, and LiMA tissue is representative of the non-atherosclerotic area. The specimens were painted with CD68 for macrophage, and THBS-2 and LECT-2 antibodies for immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Aortic THBS-2 levels were significantly lower, whereas aortic LECT-2 levels were significantly higher when compare to LiMA (14.4±9.9 (5-30) and 36.9±13.0 (5-60) p: 0.0001 and 20.3±15.0 (5-60) and 20.8±13,8 (10-30) p: 0.0001, respectively). CD68+ and monocyte level correlated significantly with AHA atherosclerosis grade (p=0.01, r=0.45 and p=0.001, r=0.56, Spearman's test). CD68+ level correlated significantly with LECT-2 levels in atherosclerotic aortic tissue (p=0.026, r=0.392, Spearman's test), whereas aortic TSBN-2 levels were not. CONCLUSIONS The present study has taken the first steps to highlight new markers in atherosclerosis by using immunohistochemical method. The study results suggest that the tissue levels of THBS2 and LECT-2 may correlate with the stage of atherosclerosis.

Radioprotectant and Cytotoxic Effects of Spirulina in Relapsed Verrucous Vulvar Cancer: A Case Report.

CONTEXT: The treatment of relapsed verrucous vulvar cancer (VVC) is difficult. When vulvar cancer relapses, the treatment response is low for second-line treatments. Conversely, toxicity is high. Therefore, scientists need to identify different treatment methods. OBJECTIVES: The case study was intended to examine the benefits of combining treatment with microalgae and metronidazole with radiotherapy to increase the response to treatment. SETTING: The study took place in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Bezmialem Vakif University, in Istanbul, Turkey. PARTICIPANT: The case study involved an 81-y-old female patient whose vulvar tumor was excised and who came to the research team's radiation oncology service for postoperative radiation. She had 2 comorbid disorders: Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease. INTERVENTION: A relapse had occurred in the 15-d postoperative period. Because of the patient's age and comorbid disorders, the research team decided to treat the new tumor only with concurrent radiochemotherapy and a weekly dose of cisplatin that contained chemoradiotherapy, for a total of 25 mg. At the 52.2 Gy dose level, grade 3 radiation skin toxicity occurred in the radiated area, although the research team had obtained an 80% response to the radiochemotherapy. The treatment was interrupted because of toxicity but also due to a deterioration in the patient's general health. Progression of the tumor continued, and the tumor's diameter increased to 7 cm after a 4-mo period. The research team then initiated radiotherapy again, combining it with spirulina in a 750 mg/dose at 2 doses/d and metronidazole in a 500 mg/dose at 3 doses/d, to decrease radiation toxicity and increase radiosensitivity. Radiotherapy was applied at 200 cGy per fraction with a total dose of 2400 cGy, with only 1 anterior local-tumor field. RESULTS: The patient showed a complete response to radiotherapy, and the tumor disappeared at the 2400 cGy radiation dose. No toxicity occurred related to the skin or the woman's general health. Her Karnofsky performance score increased to 90% from 50%, which was the initial score of the second treatment.

Beneficial effects of levosimendan on cerebral vasospasm induced by subarachnoid haemorrhage: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of levosimendan to prevent cerebral vasospasm in a rabbit model of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). ANIMALS AND METHODS: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were allocated into three groups randomly. SAH was induced by injecting autologous blood into the cisterna magna. (Group 1 = control:sham surgery group, Group 2 = SAH alone group, Group 3 = SAH plus levosimendan group). Histopathological examination was performed on day 3 as described. Intravenous levosimendan dose (initially 12 microg kg(-1) infusion, continuously for at least 10 minutes and then continued with a dose of 0.2 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) treatment was started after the induction of SAH. Three days later, the animals were sacrificed. RESULTS: In pathological investigation; there was statistically significant difference in luminal area and muscular wall thickness of the basilar artery between all groups (p < 0.005). Malondialdehyde level was also found significantly low in the levosimendan group compared with the SAH group. CONCLUSION: Intravenous levosimendan treatment was found effective by increasing the pathological luminal area and reducing muscular wall thickness measurements. This is the first study to show that intravenous administration of levosimendan is effective in preventing cerebral vasospasm induced by SAH in rabbits.

Cotyledonoid Dissecting Leiomyoma with Symplastic Features: Case Report.

Purpose Cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma is a leiomyoma variant exhibiting unusual growth patterns. We aimed to demonstrate this, as well as to point out another feature that has not been previously reported. Case Report A congested, multinodular myomectomy specimen was resected. Histologically, smooth muscle fascicles with marked vascularity and extensive hydropic degeneration were detected. A total of 2 mitoses per 10 high power fields were counted, and the Ki-67 index was of 2-3%. We encountered atypical bizarre cells that have not been previously reported. Coagulative necrosis was not present. The patient was alive and well 36 months after surgery, with no evidence of recurrence. Conclusions Albeit the gross aggressive appearance, cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyomas are benign in nature. To this day, atypical cells have not been reported in this type of tumor. Despite the presence of symplastic features, cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyomas are clinically benign entities. Surgeons and pathologists should be acquainted with this variant.

Introdução O leiomioma dissecante na forma cotiledonoide é uma variante de leiomioma com padrões raros de crescimento. Além de demonstrá-los, vamos apontar outro aspecto anteriormente não relatado. Relato de Caso Uma amostra congestionada, multinodular de miomectomia foi excisada. Histologicamente, detectaram-se fascículos de músculos lisos com marcada vascularidade e extensa degeneração hidrópica. Contaram-se 2 mitoses por 10 campos de alta potência, e o índice Ki-67 foi de 2­3%. Encontramos células atípicas, bizarras, que não haviam sido relatadas anteriormente. Não foi observada necrose coagulativa. A paciente encontrava-se saudável e sem evidências de recorrência 36 meses após a cirurgia. Conclusão De aparência bruta e grosseira, os leiomiomas dissecantes na forma cotiledonoide têm natureza benigna. Até hoje, células atípicas não haviam sido relatadas nesse tipo de tumor. Apesar dos aspectos simplásticos, os leiomiomas dissecantes na forma cotiledonoide são entidades clínicas benignas. Cirurgiões e patologistas devem estar familiarizados com essa variante.

A clinically unsuspected nasopharyngeal sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease which rarely involves the upper respiratory tract, leading to hoarseness, dysphagia, laryngeal paralysis, and upper airway obstruction. The Waldeyer's ring involvement in sarcoidosis is also very rare. In this article, we report a 32-year-old male case in whom a nasopharyngeal mass was detected based on the Waldeyer's ring involvement due to sarcoidosis.

Should Core Needle Biopsy be Used in the Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules?

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the first choice in thyroid nodules suspected of harboring malignancy on sonography in routine practice. However, sampling with core needle biopsy (CNB) is also being used, especially in cases with repeated nondiagnostic/indeterminate diagnoses. The aim of this study was the retrospective evaluation of CNB samples. A total of 604 thyroid CNB samples registered in the Department of Pathology at Bezmialem Foundation University Medical Faculty within the 1-year period between June 2014 and June 2015 were re-evaluated by correlation with previous FNA and later resection results. CNB was divided into diagnostic groups of insufficient, malignant, suspicious for malignancy, no evidence of malignancy/benign, atypia of uncertain significance (AUS)/follicular lesions of uncertain significance (FLUS), and follicular neoplasm (FN)/suspicious for follicular neoplasm (SFN). Among the 604 cases, 15 cases (2.48 %) were classified as malignant and 9 cases (1.49 %) as suspicious for malignancy. No evidence of malignancy was seen in 512 cases (84.76 %). There were 26 (4.3 %) cases in the AUS/FLUS-FN/SFN group, and the sample was inadequate in 42 cases (6.95 %). Resection was performed for 17 of the cases classified as malignant or suspicious for malignancy, and all were found to be malignant. There were also 10 resected cases with a diagnosis of no evidence of malignancy, and all were found to be benign. We think that sampling with CNB may be useful especially in repeating inadequate biopsies or cases diagnosed with AUS/FLUS that have hesitations regarding clinical management. Larger series including comparisons with FNA and resection results are required.

Vulvar granular cell tumor.

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are rare and approximately half of the all lesions arise from head and neck, especially from the tongue. However, they are rarely seen in the vulva. They can occur in patients of any age, but peak age incidence is in the fourth to sixth decades. They generally occur as small, slow growing, and skin-colored nodule. GCTs are usually benign, but malignant cases were reported. Recurrence can be seen in benign tumors with clear margins, but rates increase with positive margins. The treatment is complete surgical excision. We report a case of benign GCT of the vulva. A 41-year-old patient presented with vulvar mass, and biopsy was consisted with GCT.

Carcinoid tumor arising in a mature cystic teratoma: A case report.

Mature cystic teratomas are common benign tumors of the ovary. The most common form of malignant transformation is squamous cell carcinoma, however, malignant transformation is rarely observed and cases are usually asymptomatic. Carcinoid tumors are rare tumors of the neuroendocrine system. A number of the carcinoids result in clinical syndromes due to the secretion of vasoactive substances produced by the tumor. A 75-year-old woman suffering from groin pain was admitted to the Faculty of Medicine at Bezmialem Vakif University (Istanbul, Turkey). An adnexal mass was detected during the physical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging scans exhibited an 8×7-cm mass in the right ovary. Surgical excision of the mass was performed and histopathological examination revealed a mature cystic teratoma with three germ layers. An area consisting of nests and trabeculae was evident in the cyst wall. The pathological diagnosis was of an insular and trabecular variant of carcinoid tumor arising in a mature cystic teratoma. The patient did not present with carcinoid syndrome, and no recurrence was observed after 11 months of follow-up examinations.

Hamartoma of the breast in two patients: A case report.

Breast hamartomas are rare, benign, tumor-like nodules composed of glandular, adipose and fibrous tissue. The hamartoma was first described in 1971 as a lipofibroadenoma, fibroadenolipoma or adenolipoma, based on the predominant component of the breast tissue. Clinical findings resemble fibroadenoma and if there is a palpable mass, the patients may receive an immediate diagnosis. Ductal hyperplasia, apocrine metaplasia, calcification and adenosis may occur within the hamartoma, with rarer instances of lobular or ductal intraepithelial neoplasms. Although hamartoma is usually benign, a malignant transformation is possible. An excision and histological examination is necessary for the differential diagnosis and also for any epithelial lesions of the hamartoma. Simple excision is enough for treatment if there is no coincidental epithelial malignant lesion. The patients in the present study were treated by simple excision as there were no proliferative changes in the lesions. No recurrence or other problems were detected in the 18-month follow-up. The current study presents two cases of breast hamartoma that were diagnosed as an adenolipoma and a fibroadenolipoma, and then describes the macroscopic and microscopic observations of these lesions.

Cotyledonoid Dissecting Leiomyoma with Symplastic Features: Case Report / Leiomioma dissecante cotiledonoide com aspectos simplásticos: relato de caso

Abstract Purpose Cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma is a leiomyoma variant exhibiting unusual growth patterns. We aimed to demonstrate this, as well as to point out another feature that has not been previously reported. Case Report A congested, multinodular myomectomy specimen was resected. Histologically, smoothmuscle fascicles with marked vascularity and extensive hydropic degeneration were detected. A total of 2 mitoses per 10 high power fields were counted, and the Ki-67 index was of 2-3%. We encountered atypical bizarre cells that have not been previously reported. Coagulative necrosis was not present. The patient was alive and well 36 months after surgery, with no evidence of recurrence. Conclusions Albeit the gross aggressive appearance, cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyomas are benign in nature. To this day, atypical cells have not been reported in this type of tumor. Despite the presence of symplastic features, cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyomas are clinically benign entities. Surgeons and pathologists should be acquainted with this variant.

Resumo Introdução O leiomioma dissecante na forma cotiledonoide é uma variante de leiomioma com padrões raros de crescimento. Além de demonstrá-los, vamos apontar outro aspecto anteriormente não relatado. Relato de Caso Uma amostra congestionada, multinodular de miomectomia foi excisada. Histologicamente, detectaram-se fascículos de músculos lisos com marcada vascularidade e extensa degeneração hidrópica. Contaram-se 2mitoses por 10 campos de alta potência, e o índice Ki-67 foi de 2-3%. Encontramos células atípicas, bizarras, que não haviam sido relatadas anteriormente. Não foi observada necrose coagulativa. A paciente encontrava-se saudável e sem evidências de recorrência 36 meses após a cirurgia. Conclusão De aparência bruta e grosseira, os leiomiomas dissecantes na forma cotiledonoide têm natureza benigna. Até hoje, células atípicas não haviam sido relatadas nesse tipo de tumor. Apesar dos aspectos simplásticos, os leiomiomas dissecantes na forma cotiledonoide são entidades clínicas benignas. Cirurgiões e patologistas devem estar familiarizados com essa variante.