Comparison of Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (6%) with commonly used agents in an experimental Pleurodesis model.

BACKGROUND: Hydroxyethyl Starch (HES) 130/0.4 (6%) is a commonly used intravascular volume expander with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we aimed to compare the histopathologic activity of HES 130/0.4 (6%) with various widely-used agents in pleurodesis. METHODS: Forty male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into five groups: controls, povidone-iodine recipients (PI group), sterile talcum recipients (Talcum group), autologous blood recipients (AB group) and HES 130/0.4 (6%) recipients (HES group). Thirty days after application of agents, pleural and lung tissues were resected. Evaluation was performed via macroscopic scoring (adhesion) and specimens were stained with H&E for microscopic examination (inflammation and fibrosis). RESULTS: HES recipients had significantly higher adhesion compared to controls (lower grade 0, higher grade 1 frequency vs. controls), they were found to have significantly lower frequency of grade 2 adhesion (vs. PI, Talc and AB) and grade 3 adhesion (vs. AB), indicating that the adhesion-generating properties of HES were only superior to the control group. HES recipients had significantly higher inflammatory grades compared to controls (lower grade 0, higher grade 1 frequency), while they had lower grades compared to the PI, Talc and AB groups. Although the PI, Talc and AB groups were statistically similar in most comparisons, we observed a trend towards higher success with the use of Talc and especially AB. CONCLUSION: Our results do not support a role for HES in pleurodesis. We believe that the autologous blood method remains as an effective and successful procedure without side effects.

Primary malignant melanoma of the ovary: case report and review of the literature.

Ovarian malignant melanomas are extremely rare tumors. Most of them are secondary tumors and disseminated metastases are recognized at the time of diagnosis. Primary tumors are even more rare and usually associated with a teratoma. A 67-year-old female had a pelvic mass that was recognized on ultrasonography (USG) and physical examination. Intraoperative pathological consultation was reported as "pigmented solid ovarian tumor, probably compatible with malignant melanoma". Paraffin sections, and histochemical (Masson Fontana and Prussia blue) and immunohistochemical examination (S-100 and HMB-45) were also consistent with "malignant melanoma". This case was accepted as "Probably primary ovarian malignant melanoma" in lack of any other tumor focus on detailed clinical and radiological investigation, skin biopsies or pigmented lesions in medical history. It is reported for being an extremely rare tumor and its distinctive characteristics for differential diagnosis are emphasized.

Angioleiomyoma of the scrotal wall.

Angioleiomyoma of the scrotum is a rare benign lesion which can mimic a paratesticular tumor. Any solid mass within the scrotum is considered malignant until proven otherwise. Here, we present a case of an angioleiomyoma of the scrotum in a 33-year-old male who presented with painful scrotal mass. Scrotal ultrasonography demonstrated a solid mass in the scrotum, and surgical excision was carried out. Pathologic examination revealed that the tumor was angioleiomyoma.