A Simple and Effective Mechanical Method for Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Isolation.

Over the last decades, there has been ongoing and evolving research concerning regenerative medicine, specifically, stem cells. The most common source of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remains the adipose tissue and the easiest way to obtain such tissue is lipoaspirate. The fatty tissue obtained can be processed either in an enzymatic way, which is time-consuming and expensive and carries several dangers for the viability of the stem cells included, or with mechanical means which are fast, inexpensive, yield enough viable cells, and can be readily used for autologous transplantation in one-stage procedures. Herein, we demonstrate our non-enzymatic method for obtaining adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction comprising MSCs. The stromal vascular fraction was isolated via centrifugation, and the characteristics and numbers of the cells isolated have been tested with flow cytometry assay, cell culture, and differentiation. Over 91% of viable MSCs were isolated using the mechanical method. The cells retained the ability to differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. The method presented is simple, requiring no special equipment, and yields a viable population of stem cells in large numbers. These cells can be readily used in several operations (orthopedic, dentistry, fistulas, etc.) making feasible "one-stage" procedures, thus proving their benefits for the patient and the health care system.

Intramural gallstones mimicking typical lithiasic cholecystitis.

Gallstone disease is common in the western population. Intramural gallstones are rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. We present a 30-year-old female patient with typical symptoms of cholecystitis. The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy one month later. Dark greenish intramural gallstones were identified right after the resection of the gallbladder, and the pathologic examination revealed adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder. To our knowledge, this is the first report of intramural gallstones presenting with cholecystitis. The presence of intramural gallstones is not easily detected during ultrasound examination, and does not affect the natural course or treatment of gallstone disease.

Accidental Ultrasound Finding of a Giant Intermuscular Gluteal Lipoma with Intrapelvic Extension: A Case Report.

Lipomas represent the most common benign mesenchymal tumor. They are usually located subcutaneously and rarely become symptomatic. Occasionally pressure symptoms on adjacent neurovascular structures may be exerted, thereby causing functional impairment. Lipomas rarely grow larger than 5 cm, becoming the so-called giant lipomas, posing a real diagnostic and surgical challenge. We report an unusual case of a 43-year-old Caucasian female with an accidental pelvic ultrasound finding of a giant mass, which was also palpable over the right gluteal region. Interestingly the patient was free of any sciatic nerve compression symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a soft tissue tumor, partially located in between the external rotator muscles of the hip and the gluteus muscle. The tumor forced up and advanced through the great sciatic foramen into the pelvis. The patient underwent an uneventful complete and safe surgical excision of the gluteal mass, via a wide transgluteal approach. Pathology confirmed lipoma diagnosis. Patient is free from recurrence two years post operatively. Physicians involved in the diagnosis and treatment of gluteal masses should always consider in their differential diagnosis the presence of a sciatic hernia.

Nasal mucosal melanoma presenting as central type vertigo: a case report.

Nasal mucosal melanoma presents usually with epistaxis, nasal obstruction and facial pain. However melanoma tends to give distant metastases at an early stage, having rare clinical presentations.We present a 74-year old female patient with symptoms of central type vertigo caused by brain metastases. Clinical assessment for the detection of the primary site revealed a nasal mucosal melanoma originating from the posterior end of the left inferior turbinate. The patient received a combination of radio and chemotherapy being in relatively good condition 8 months later. This is the first reported case of a nasal mucosal melanoma with vertigo as the first presenting symptom.