Gastric volvulus - A review of 38 cases / Volvo gástrico: revisão de 38 casos

BACKGROUND: Gastric volvulus is frequently an asymptomatic disease, and it is usually diagnosed during radiographic examination of the superior digestive tract. The acute form, however, can spawn serious and lethal clinical consequences. This disease is defined by the anomalous rotation of the stomach over itself, and it can be classified according to type, extension, direction, etiology, and clinical presentation. AIM: To review the records from 38 patients with gastric volvulus diagnosed in the Hospital das Clínicas of University of São Paulo between 1968 and 2001. METHODS: This is retrospective analysis of 38 patient records. It was collected from each patient: name, age of first symptom appearance, gender, main clinical findings and complementary exams, volvulus type, extension, direction, etiology, and clinical presentation, therapeutic procedures, type of surgery performed, eventual recurrence, and long-term evolution. RESULTS: It was observed that occurrences of gastric volvulus are mainly secondary (75.8%). For the majority of patients (n=33), surgery was chosen as the treatment option: chronic disease in 29 cases and acute in four. Conservative treatment was reserved only for patients with no clinical conditions to surgical treatment. Anterior gastropexy was associated to high recurrence rates. Suturing the low gastric curve to the hepatic capsule and the transverse colon to the left subphrenic space (Tanner´s operation) seemed to be the technical treatment of choice for primary gastric volvulus. CONCLUSION: Treatment of gastric volvolus must be tailored according the etiology of the disease.

RACIONAL: O volvo gástrico é frequentemente condição assintomática e diagnosticado em exame radiológico feito por outras causas. A forma aguda, no entanto, pode ter consequências graves e letais. Ele é definido como rotação anômala do estômago nele próprio e classificado de acordo com o tipo, extensão, direção, causa e apresentação clínica. OBJETIVO: Apresentar aspectos clínicos e morfológicos de volvos gástricos. em 38 pacientes. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva onde foram coletadas informações registradas sobre 38 pacientes a cerda da idade, surgimento do primeiro sintoma, gênero, principais achados clínicos, de exames complementares, tipo do volvo, causa, procedimentos terapêuticos, recidivas e evolução tardia. RESULTADOS: Em 75,8% o volvo foi secundário Na maioria dos pacientes a opção de tratamento foi cirúrgica. Ele era crônico em 29 e agudo em quatro pacientes. O tratamento conservador foi indicado somente aos sem condições clínicas para operações. Gastropexia anterior foi associada à alta taxa de recidiva. A sutura da pequena curvatura gástrica à cápsula hepática e cólon transverso na fossa subfrência esquerda (operação de Tanner) parece ser o tratamento de escolha nos volvos primários. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento do volvo gástrico deve ser feito sob medida caso a caso e de acordo com a causa da doença.

Behavior of gastric cancer in Brazilian population / Comportamento do câncer gástrico na população brasileira

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a predominately male disease. Usually for every female that suffers from this condition there are two males and occurred an increase in the number of females in last decades. Brazil is poor in data about this issue. AIM: To verify if in Brazil it happened: a) a change in the gender ratio and on the average age of the patients; b) an increase in the number of patients with 70 years of age or more suffering from this disease; c) changes in the gender ratio and in the average age in the several gastric locations during the period of study. METHODS: The medical history of patients diagnosed with primary gastric adenocarcinoma, between 1971 and 1998 were obtained at Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Exclusion criteria were: patients suffering from a non epithelial gastric malignancy; adenocarcinoma from the intestinal metaplasia in the distal esophagus invading the proximal stomach and patients submitted to a gastric resection, due to a benign or malignant tumor during the last five years prior to the surgical procedure analyzed in this study. The patients were divided into 10 years age groups and also divided in three groups, according to their ages and time intervals. Interrelationships between gender and age, and with tumor´s location on gastric wall were analyzed. RESULTS: From 1971 to 1998, 1578 patients with GC were hospitalized. Among them, 1021 were treated with gastric resection, corresponding to 64.7 percent of all patients. There was an increase in the proportion of patients older than 70 years, and decrease between 41 and 70 years. There was no statistical significant difference among the average ages and the different locations. There were significant differences for the locations favoring proximal third and stump, both more prevalent in males. CONCLUSIONS: a) Occurred modifications in the ratio between genders: greater number of women and an increase in the number of male patients in the age group between 41 and 70 years; b) it was proved the greater number of occurrences in patients over 70 years of age; c) there was a greater increase in the male predominance in the tumors located in the stomach´s proximal third.

RACIONAL: O câncer gástrico é afecção predominantemente masculina. Para cada mulher há dois homens, mas tem ocorrido aumento de casos em mulheres nas últimas décadas. O Brasil é pobre em dados sobre esse tema. OBJETIVO: Verificar se no Brasil em relação ao câncer gástrico ocorreu: a) mudança na relação entre os sexos; b) aumento no número de pacientes com mais de 70 anos portadores da doença; c) alteração na relação gênero e média de idade nas variadas localizações do tumor. METODOS: Prontuários de pacientes com adenocarcinoma do estômago 1971 e 1998 foram obtidos no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil com os seguintes critérios de exclusão: pacientes portadores de doença não epitelial; adenocarcinoma de metaplasia intestinal no esôfago distal invadindo cárdia e pacientes submetidos à ressecção gástrica durante os últimos cinco anos anteriores ao período de estudo. Foram divididos em intervalos de 10 anos e também em três grupos de acordo com suas idades e intervalo de tempo. Foram analisadas inter-relações entre sexo e idade, e a localização do tumor em relação à parte anatômica do órgão. RESULTADOS: De 1971 a 1998, 1578 pacientes foram hospitalizados com câncer do estômago. Dentre eles, 1021 foram tratados com ressecção gástrica (64,7 por cento). Houve aumento na proporção de pacientes com mais de 70 anos e diminuição entre a faixa de 41 a 70. Não houve diferença estatística entre a idade e as várias localizações. Houve diferença significante favorecendo a localização proximal e coto gástrico, ambas mais prevalentes nos homens. CONCLUSÕES: a) Ocorreram modificações na relação entre os sexos: maior número de mulheres e aumento no número de homens na idade entre 41 e 70; b) demonstrou-se aumento no número de pacientes com mais de 70 anos; c) houve aumento da prevalência de tumores na parte proximal do estômago e maior nos homens.

Chronic hepatitis C: hepatic fibrosis evolution after ineffective specific treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Specific treatment of chronic hepatitis C is effective in 50% of patients, improving the liver's fibrosis, necroinflammatory changes and steatosis. However, in patients still viremic after treatment the extension of these benefits remains doubtful. The evolution of the disease in this group and its relationship to demographic data, biometric indices and time lapse between biopsies was evaluated. METHODOLOGY: In 141 patients, paired biopsies were classified and compared according to fibrosis grading. Necroinflammation, steatosis, demographic data (age and gender), body mass index (BMI) and time lapse between biopsies were compared with fibrosis grading. RESULTS: The grade of fibrosis of the patients, after approximately 3.5 years time lapse between biopsies, could be classified into 4 groups; Improved: 29 (20.0%), Unaltered: 64 (45.0%), Worsened: 48 (34%) and Cirrhotic: 14 (9.93%). For necroinflammation, the Improved/Unaltered groups were statistically similar but different from the Worsened and Cirrhotic. The mean age, BMI and time lapse between biopsies were statistically similar in all groups. Steatosis occurred in 35 (24.82%) between biopsies and its incidence was reduced in the Worsened and Cirrhotic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrosis turned into cirrhosis in a significant number of patients, after a short time lapse. The reverse correlation of steatosis to fibrosis and its occurrence during the time lapse between biopsies suggests it might induce hepatic necrosis and contribute to fibrogenesis.

Ablação por radiofrequência de tumores hepáticos primários e metastáticos: experiência em 113 casos / Radiofrequency ablation of primary and metastatic liver tumors: 113 cases experience

RACIONAL: A ablação por radiofreqüência de tumores hepáticos primários e metastáticos é método efetivo para o tratamento paliativo de tais neoplasias. Pode ser utilizada em nódulos com até 3-4 cm de diâmetro e não mais do que três lesões a serem tratadas. É procedimento passível de execução via laparotômia, laparoscópica e percutânea. Freqüentemente vem sendo aplicado como ponte para o transplante, assim como método alternativo nos tumores recorrentes após ressecção. OBJETIVO: Apresentar a experiência alcançada em uma série de pacientes onde a ablação por radiofreqüência foi utilizada. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 113 casos nos quais a ablação por radiofreqüência foi aplicada por via percutânea ou por meio de laparotomia no tratamento de 170 lesões. O grupo foi composto por 43 casos de carcinoma hepatocelular, 53 de metástase de tumor colorretal, seis de metástases de carcinoma neuroendócrino, quatro de metástase de tumor de mama, quatro de colangiocarcinoma; um de metástase de tumor de pâncreas; um metástase de tumor renal e um de metástase hepática de leiomiosarcoma. RESULTADOS: A média de lesões tratadas foi de 1,5 por caso com tamanho médio de 3,6 cm por lesão. Foram os seguintes segmentos acometidos: segmento I (n=7), II (n=5), III (n=6), IV (n=39), V (n=10), VI(n=11), VII (n=50) e VIII (n=42). A morbidade associada ao método foi de 26,5% e a mortalidade de 3,5%. Observou-se taxa de recorrência após o procedimento de 17,6% em média 10,6 meses após a ablação. CONCLUSÃO: A ablação por radiofreqüência é procedimento seguro que pode ser utilizado em pacientes com reserva hepática comprometida. Nas doenças metastáticas o procedimento não substitui o tratamento operatório e o uso de outros métodos de controle mas mostra benefícios na evolução dos pacientes.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation of primary and metastatic liver tumors is an effective method for treating palliative liver tumors. This method can be used in nodules of up to 3-4 cm of diameter, having no more than three lesions to be treated. The procedure can be achieved by laparotomy, laparoscopy as well as percutaneously. This method has also frequently been applied as a bridge to liver transplantation as well as an alternative method for recurrent tumors after resection. AIM: To present the experiment achieved in a series of patients were radiofrequency ablation was utilized. METHODS: 113 cases were studied, where radiofrequency ablation was applied percutaneously or by means of laparotomy in the treatment of 170 lesions. The group was composed of 43 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma; 53 colorectal tumor metastasis; six neuroendocrine carcinomas; four breast tumor metastasis; four cholangiocarcinomas; one pancreatic tumor metastasis; one renal tumor metastasis and one leiomyosarcoma hepatic metastasis. RESULTS: The average of treated lesions was of 1,5 per case with an average size of 3,6 cm per lesion. The following segments were compromised: segment I (n=7), II (n=5), IV (n=39), V (n=10), VI (n=11), VII (n=50) and VIII (n=42). Morbidity and mortality rates associated to the method were of 26,5% and 3,5% respectively. Recurrence rates after the procedure reached 17,6% after an average of 10,6 months subsequent to ablation. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation is a safe procedure that can be used in patients with compromised hepatic function. In metastatic diseases this procedure does not substitute surgical treatment and the use of other control methods shows many benefits in the evolution of patients.

Dietary intake of female bariatric patients after anti-obesity gastroplasty.

PURPOSE: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a popular and successful operation for the treatment of morbid obesity. However, it greatly restricts ingestion and moderately interferes with absorption of food, thus potentially paving the way for undernutrition, especially during the first year before patients adapt to the new condition. Aiming to document actual dietary intake during this period, a prospective observational study was performed. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients were investigated using a 24-hour dietary recall technique every 3 months after surgery for 1 year. Females only were accepted for greater homogeneity of the sample. All received a vitamin and mineral supplement on a daily basis as a postoperative routine. A questionnaire was employed regarding general, nutritional, and gastrointestinal changes as well as consumption of medications. Dietary intake was analyzed after data processing using the Virtual Nutri software package (São Paulo, SP, Brazil). RESULTS: The surgical response was within the expected range, with about 67% excess weight loss at the end of the 1st year, and the same occurred with gastrointestinal symptoms and drug requirements. Daily energy intake on the 4 analyzed occasions was 529.4 +/- 47.4, 710.9 +/- 47.6, 833.2 +/- 72.0, and 866.2 +/- 95,1 kcal/day (mean +/- SEM); protein intake was increased in the same proportion at 6 and 9 months, but reduced at 12 months. Thus, patients did not meet standard recommendations regarding calories and proteins, even at the end of the 1st year; iron and zinc intake were also inadequate, although deficiencies were probably staved off by the prescribed supplement preparation. CONCLUSIONS: 1) The risk for postoperative undernutrition was evidenced up to 1 year, while spontaneous improvement in food intake was slow and inefficient; 2) Specific protocols should be devised to improve nutrition and health during the postoperative phase until successful dietary adaptation is achieved.

Dietary intake of female bariatric patients after anti-obesity gastroplasty

OBJETIVO: A gastroplastia com anastomose gastrojejunal em Y de Roux é uma operação popular e bem sucedida no tratamento da obesidade grave. Ela restringe seriamente a ingestão e moderadamente a absorção do alimento, potencialmente abrindo caminho para desnutrição especialmente no primeiro ano, antes que o paciente se adapte à nova condição. Com o propósito de documentar a real ingestão neste período, um estudo prospectivo observacional foi executado. MÉTODO: Quarenta pacientes consecutivos foram investigados por recordatório de 24 horas a cada três meses após a operação, até um ano. Apenas mulheres foram arroladas para maior homogeneidade da amostra. Todas receberam diariamente um suplemento vitamínico-mineral, como rotina pós-operatória. Um questionário foi empregado abordando alterações gerais, nutricionais e gastrointestinais assim como consumo de medicamentos. Os ganhos dietéticos foram analisados mediante o programa Virtual Nutri (São Paulo, SP, Brasil). RESULTADOS: A resposta cirúrgica situou-se dentro da faixa esperada, com perda de cerca de 67% do excesso de peso após um ano, e o mesmo ocorreu com sintomas gastrointestinais e necessidades medicamentosas. A quantidade de energia diária nas quatro ocasiões foi de 529,4±47,5, 710,9± 47,7, 833,2± 72,0 e 866,2± 95,1 kcal/dia (média ± erro padrão da média), e o aumento do consumo de proteína foi da mesma proporção nos 6 e 9 meses e com redução em 12 meses. Consequentemente mesmo após um ano as pacientes estavam abaixo das recomendações usuais de calorias e proteínas. A contribuição da dieta no tocante a ferro e zinco também mostrou-se inadequada, embora quadros deficitários tenham provavelmente sido abortados pelo suplemento utilizado. CONCLUSÕES: 1) O risco para desnutrição pos-operatória ficou demonstrado até um ano, e a melhora espontânea da ingestão de alimentos revelou-se lenta e ineficiente; 2) Protocolos específicos deveriam ser elaborados visando melhorar a nutrição e a saúde na fase pós-operatória, até que se verifique uma adaptação dietética satisfatória.

Surgical risk for patients with Chagasic achalasia and its correlation with the degree of esophageal dilation.

AIM: To analyze the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with indication for surgical treatment of Chagasic esophageal achalasia and to correlate the surgical risks with the degree of esophageal dilation, thereby proposing a risk scale index. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four patients with Chagasic esophageal achalasia, who received surgical treatment at the Hospital das Clinicas of the Federal University of Goias, were included in this study. The patients were mostly related to the postoperative complications due to the cardiovascular system. All the patients were submitted to: (1) clinical history to define the cardiac functional class (New York Heart Association); (2) conventional 12-lead electrocardiogram at rest; and (3) contrast imaging of the esophagus to determine esophageal dilatation according to Rezende's classification of Chagasic megaesophagus. RESULTS: An assessment of the functional classification (FC) of heart failure during the preoperative period determined that 67 patients (54.03%) were assigned functional class I (FC I), 46 patients (37.09%) were assigned functional class II (FC II), and 11 patients (8.87%) were assigned functional class III (FC III). None of the patients were assigned to functional class IV (FC IV). There was a positive correlation between the functional class and the postoperative complications (FC IXFC II: P<0.001; FC IXFC III: P<0.001). The ECG was normal in 44 patients (35.48%) and presented abnormalities in 80 patients (64.52%). There was a significant statistical correlation between abnormal ECG (arrhythmias and primary change in ventricular repolarization) and postoperative complications (P<0.001). With regard to the classification of the Chagasic esophageal achalasia, the following distribution was observed: group II, 53 patients (42.74%); group III, 37 patients (29.83%); and group IV, 34 patients (27.41%). There was a positive correlation between the degree of esophageal dilation and the increase in postoperative complications (grade IIXgrade III achalasia: P<0.001; grade IIXgrade IV achalasia: P<0.001; and grade IIIXgrade IV achalasia: P = 0.017). Analyzing these results and using a multivariate regression analysis associated with the probability decision analysis, a risk scale was proposed as follows: up to 21 points (mild risk); from 22 to 34 points (moderate risk); and more than 34 points (high risk). The scale had 82.4% accuracy for mild risk patients and up to 94.6% for the high risk cases. CONCLUSION: The preoperative evaluation of the cardiovascular system, through a careful anamnesis, an ECG and contrast imaging of the esophagus, makes possible to estimate the surgical risks for Chagas' disease patients who have to undergo surgical treatment for esophageal achalasia.

Gait cinematic analysis in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Functional co-morbidities of excess body weight such as gait problems are never life-threatening like those associated with certain metabolic sequelae. Nevertheless, they may interfere with quality of life and also act as a mirror of muscle, bone and joint stress. In this prospective study, the goal was to document dynamic aspects of gait in severely obese subjects. METHODS: An outpatient population (age 47.2+/-12.9 years, 94.1% females, BMI 40.1+/-6.0 kg/m2, n=34) had their gait analyzed by an experienced physical therapist. Variables included speed, cadence, stride, support base and foot angle, which were compared to reference values for the Brazilian population. RESULTS: All variables were significantly lower in the obese patients, except for support base which was increased. Speed was 73.3+/-16.3 vs 130 cm/s, cadence was 1.4+/-0.2 vs 1.8 steps/s, stride was 106.8+/-13.1 vs 132.0 cm, and support was 12.5+/-3.5 vs 10.0 cm (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Widespread cinematic impairment was the rule in the studied population. 2) These findings are consistent with poor skeletal muscle performance, high metabolic expenditure and constant physical exhaustion. 3) Attention should be paid not only to the metabolic management but also to the physical rehabilitation required in cases of advanced obesity.

Immunohistochemical assessment of mucosal cytokine profile in acetic acid experimental colitis.

UNLABELLED: Experimental colitis induced by acetic acid has been used extensively as a model for intestinal inflammatory disease. Colonic tissue lesions of intestinal inflammatory disease patients seem to be related to the increased local production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma). PURPOSE: To assess the cytokine expression pattern identified through immunohistochemistry in colonic mucosa after experimental colitis induced by acetic acid and establish the relationship between this pattern and the presence of macroscopic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats (n = 39) were divided at random into 4 groups: NC45 and NC24 (control without colitis; sacrificed at 45 minutes and 24 hours, respectively); and WC45 and WC24 (with experimental colitis induced by acetic acid; sacrificed at 45 minutes and 24 hours, respectively). Macroscopic and microscopic alterations in colonic tissue were evaluated, and cytokine expression was assessed through immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: After 24 hours, IL-1 expression was greater in the groups with colitis when compared to the groups without colitis. IL-4 expression was higher in the WC45 group. There was an increase in both INF-gamma and IL-6 related to the presence of necrosis of the colonic mucosa in the groups with colitis for both periods evaluated. CONCLUSION: The immunohistochemical technique was efficient for the analysis of various cytokine expressions in the colonic tissue. There was an increase in the IL-1 pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as in IL-6 and IFN-gamma associated with the presence of colonic necrosis. Experimental colitis induced by acetic acid is a useful model for the development of studies assessing the role of cytokines in the inflammation of mucosa as well as anti-cytokine therapies.

Postural changes in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Postural deviations in morbidly obese individuals may contribute to low self-esteem and to long-term adverse effects on bones and joints. In a case-control study, the axial skeleton was investigated, to disclose the main abnormalities found in obese compared to non-obese groups. METHODS: 2 groups were compared. Group 1, severely obese patients (n= 32), age 41.5 +/- 8.2 years, BMI 49.4 +/- 6.6 kg/m2, 93.8% females, and group 2 non-obese (n= 30), age 43.5 +/- 5.8 years, BMI 24.6 +/- 5.1 kg/m2, 96.7% females, had their posture analyzed through clinical examination and radiological imaging. Variables measured were anterior, lateral and posterior angular deviation from the vertical body axis at the head, shoulders, pelvis, Thales triangle, spine, knees, ankles and feet. Data are shown as a percentage of abnormal angles in the 2 groups. RESULTS: On anterior analysis of the 2 groups, disturbances affected head (37.5% vs 13.3%), Thales angle (78.1% vs 53.3%), knees (84.4% vs 33.3%), legs (59.4% vs 30.0%) and support base (59.4% vs 26.7%) (P<0.05). On posterior view, the spine was the deranged segment (87.5% vs 36.7%) (P<0.05), and on lateral assessment, 100% of the results were abnormal. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Individuals with morbid obesity present important postural alterations. 2) Seriously altered posture was the rule for the obese population in this study, especially in the spine, knees and feet. 3) Most patients had compatible clinical complaints, but they rarely associated the bone and joint pain with the obesity and axial skeleton deviations. 4) Planned physical activity should be part of the treatment of severe obesity, in order to correct deviations, prevent new ones, and improve quality of life.

Immunohistochemical assessment of mucosal cytokine profile in acetic acid experimental colitis

O modelo de colite experimental induzida por ácido acético (CEAA) vem sendo extensamente utilizado em estudos sobre doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII). Lesões no tecido colônico em portadores de DII parecem estar relacionados à produção local aumentada de citocinas pró-inflamatórias (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a e IFN-g). OBJETIVO: Avaliar o padrão de expressão de citocinas identificadas por imunohistoquímica em tecido colônico após CEAA e relacioná-lo à presença de lesões macroscópicas. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Ratos machos Wistar adultos (n=39) foram submetidos ou não à CEAA e sacrificados para retirada do tecido colônico em dois períodos distintos, perfazendo 4 grupos aleatórios: SC45 e SC24 (sem colite; sacrifício 45 minutos e 24 horas, respectivamente); CC45 e CC24 (com colite; sacrifício 45 minutos e 24 horas, respectivamente). Avaliaram-se alterações macro e microscópicas do cólon e sua expressão de citocinas foi avaliada por imunohistoquímica. RESULTADOS: Após 24 horas, a expressão de IL-1 foi maior no grupo com colite, em relação ao sem colite. IL-4 foi mais expressa no grupo CC45. Houve aumento de INF-g e IL-6, relacionados à presença de necrose da mucosa colônica, nos grupos com colite, em ambos os períodos avaliados. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica de imunohistoquímica foi eficiente para a análise da expressão de citocinas na mucosa colônica. Houve aumento da expressão das citocinas pró-inflamatórias IL-1 e de IL-6 e IFN-g associado à presença de necrose colônica. A CEAA é um bom modelo para o desenvolvimento de estudos destinados a avaliar o papel das citocinas na inflamação da mucosa e terapias anti-citocinas.

Multiple brain abscesses due to Penicillium spp infection.

We present a case of central nervous system (CNS) infection by a member of the Penicillium genera in a HIV-negative man in Brazil. The patient was admitted complaining of loss of visual fields and speech disturbances. CT scan revealed multiple brain abscesses. Stereotactic biopsies revealed fungal infection and amphotericin B treatment begun with initial improvement. The patient died few days later as a consequence of massive gastrointestinal bleeding due to ruptured esophageal varices. The necropsy and final microbiologic analyses disclosed infection by Penicillium sp. There are thousands of fungal species of the Penicillium genera. Systemic penicilliosis is caused by the P. marneffei and was formerly a rare disease, but now is one of the most common opportunistic infection of AIDS patients in Southeast Asia. The clinical presentation usually involves the respiratory system and the skin, besides general symptoms like fever and weight loss. Penicillium spp infection caused by species other than P. marneffei normally cause only superficial or allergic disease but rare cases of invasive disease do occur. We report the fourth case of Penicillium spp CNS infection.

Management of hepatic hemangiomas: a 14-year experience.

Hemangioma is the most common primary tumor of the liver and its diagnosis has become increasingly prevalent. Most of these lesions are asymptomatic and are managed conservatively. Large hemangiomas are often symptomatic and reports of surgical intervention are becoming increasingly frequent. We present our experience, over the last 14 years, with diagnosis and management of 249 liver hemangiomas, with special attention to a conservative strategy. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcome are analyzed. Of 249 patients, 77 (30.9%) were symptomatic, usually with right abdominal upper quadrant pain. Diagnosis was based on a radiologic algorithm according to the size and characteristics of the tumor; diagnosis by this method was not possible in only one case (0.4 %). Giant hemangiomas (>4 cm) were found in 68 patients (27.3%) and in 16 were larger than 10 cm. Eight patients (3.2%) underwent surgical treatment; indications were incapacitating pain in 6, diagnostic doubt in 1, and stomach compression in 1. No postoperative complications or mortality were observed in this series. Patients who did not undergo surgery (n = 241) did not present any complication related to the hemangioma during long-term follow-up (mean = 78 months). Hemangioma is a benign course disease with easy diagnosis and management. We propose a conservative approach for these lesions. Resection, which can be safely performed, should be reserved for the rare situations such as untreatable pain, diagnostic uncertainty, or compression of adjacent organs.

Multiple brain abscesses due to Penicillium spp infection

Apresentamos um caso de infecção do sistema nervoso central (SNC) por Penicillium spp em paciente do sexo masculino, HIV-negativo no Brasil. O paciente apresentou-se ao Serviço de Urgência do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo queixando-se de alteração visual e dificuldade na fala. Exames de neuroimagem mostraram lesões múltiplas, compatíveis com abscessos. A biópsia esterotáxica revelou infecção fúngica, iniciando-se o tratamento com anfotericina B com sucesso inicial. O paciente morreu poucos dias depois, vítima de uma hemorragia digestiva maciça devido a varizes de esôfago. A necropsia e a análise microbiológica final da biópsia cerebral revelaram infecção por Penicillium spp. Exixtem centenas de espécies de fungos do gênero Penicillium. A peniciliose sistêmica é causada pelo P. marneffei e costumava ser uma doença rara, mas atualmente é uma das infecções oportunistas mais comuns em associação com AIDS no Sudeste Asiático. Infecção pelo Penicillium spp de espécie diferente do P. marneffei normalmente causa apenas doenças superficiais ou alérgicas mas doenças invasivas também ocorrem raramente. Nós relatamos o quarto caso de infecção do SNC por Penicillium spp.

Papel da colonoscopia com magnificação de imagem associada à cromoscopia no diagnóstico diferencial entre lesões neoplásicas e não-neoplásicas do intestino crosso / Assessment of magnifying colonoscopy with chromoscopy in the differential diagnosis of neoplasic and non-neoplastic lesions of the large bowel

O câncer colorretal (CCR) apresenta incidência e mortalidades elevadas. A colonoscopia é o melhor método para o diagnóstico precoce do CCR e das lesões precursoras. Ela, com magnificação de imagem (CM) vem sendo utilizada para melhora de resultados / Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major health problem due to its high incidence and mortality. Conventional colonoscopy (CC) represents the best mehod for early diagnosis of CRC and for diagnosis and treatment of precursor lesions. Magnifying colonoscopy (MC) has been used with the purpose of increasing the performance of CC...

Origin of adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus: p53 and Ki67 expression and histopathologic background.

UNLABELLED: Barrett's esophagus is the substitution of squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus by columnar epithelium. Intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's esophagus is considered to be the main risk factor for the development of adenocarcinoma. Diffuse adenocarcinoma and Barrett's esophagus without intestinal metaplasia are rare, and reports on the subject are scarce. PURPOSE AND METHOD: To estimate the prevalence of adenocarcinoma in 297 patients with Barrett's esophagus, during the period of 1990 to 2002, and in 13 patients undergoing surgery, to conduct detailed macroscopic and microscopic analysis, with performance of immunohistochemical tests for p53 and Ki67, correlating the type of tumor with its adjacent epithelium. RESULTS: In our patients with Barrett's esophagus, there was a prevalence of 5.7% of adenocarcinoma. The tumors developed only when the Barrett's esophagus segment was long (>3.0 cm). Tumors were located close to the squamous-columnar junction. The histological study revealed 2 patients (15.4%) with Barrett's esophagus adjacent to a tumor with gastric metaplasia without the presence of intestinal metaplasia. Tumors were classified according to Nakamura's classification (23% differentiated pattern, and 77% undifferentiated pattern) and to Lauren's classification (61% intestinal and 39% diffuse). The difference is due to the migration of microtubular and foveolar tumors of undifferentiated (gastric) pattern in Nakamuras classification to the Lauren's intestinal type. The immunohistochemical test for Ki67 was strongly positive in all the patients, thus evidencing intense cell proliferation in both the columnar epithelium and tumor. Expression of p53 was negative in 67% of the adjacent columnar epithelia and 42% of the tumors, without any correlation between the tissue types. CONCLUSION: Adenocarcinoma develops from mixed columnar epithelium, either intestinal or gastric, showing both the gastric and the intestinal patterns; thus, tumors can also grow in columnar epithelium without intestinal metaplasia. Barrett's esophagus should be followed up for the possibility of progression to malignancy, especially when the segment is longer than 3 cm.

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis due to bacterial tonsillitis.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe and potentially fatal soft tissue infection, but involvement of the head and neck is rare. We report on 4 cases of cervical necrotizing fasciitis arising from tonsillitis. One patient was diabetic and one had received steroids before disease development. One patient developed acute respiratory failure and died of septic shock. Three patients recovered, helped by early recognition, aggressive surgical intervention, appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotics, and supportive therapy. The common bacteria found in all abscess samples were Streptococcus sp., but mixed flora with anaerobic organisms was seen in all but 1 case. Tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess must be suspected as a cause of cervical necrotizing fasciitis and a successful result can be achieved with immediate aggressive treatment.

Origin of adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus: P53 and Ki67 expression and histopathologic background

O esôfago de Barrett é definido como a substituição do epitélio escamoso do esôfago distal por epitélio colunar. A metaplasia intestinal no esôfago de Barrett é considerada por muitos como o principal fator de risco para o desenvolvimento do adenocarcinoma. Embora já descrito, o adenocarcinoma do tipo difuso e o esôfago de Barrett sem metaplasia intestinal, são raros e pouco estudados. OBJETIVO E MÉTODO: O presente estudo objetivou o cálculo da prevalência do adenocarcinoma no esôfago de Barrett, assim como a análise macroscópica e microscópica detalhada de treze pacientes operados no período de 1990 a 2002, com realização de estudo imunohistoquímico do p53 e Ki67, correlacionando o tipo de tumor com o epitélio adjacente a este. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos uma prevalência de 5,7% de adenocarcinoma em pacientes internados para tratamento cirúrgico de esôfago de Barrett . Encontraram-se tumores relativamente grandes, com média de 4,67 ± 2,28 cm, e sempre em esôfago de Barrett longo, com média de 7,71 ± 1,5 cm. Observou-se tendência de os tumores se localizarem próximos à transição escamo-colunar. O estudo histológico mostrou dois pacientes (15,4%) que apresentavam esôfago de Barrett adjacente ao tumor do tipo juncional sem presença de metaplasia intestinal. Classificaram-se os tumores segundo a classificação japonesa de Nakamura (23% de padrão diferenciado ou intestinal e 77% de padrão indiferenciado ou gástico) e pela classificação de Laurén (61% intestinais e 39% difusos). A diferença decorre da migração dos tumores microtubulares e foveolares do padrão gástrico para o tipo intestinal de Laurén. O estudo do Ki67 foi fortemente positivo em todos os pacientes, mostrando o alto índice de proliferação celular no epitélio colunar e no tumor. O p53 mostrou-se negativo em 66,7% dos pacientes no epitélio colunar e 41,7% no tumor, não mostrando correlação entre os dois materiais. CONCLUSAO: O adenocarcinoma se desenvolve sobre o esôfago de Barrett a partir do epitélio colunar misto, intestinal, bem como do juncional, apresentando padrão tanto gástrico como intestinal; portanto tumores podem se desenvolver em epitélio colunar sem metaplasia intestinal o qual também deve ser seguido, principalmente quando for extenso.