VASOPROLIFERATIVE TUMORS IN INTERMEDIATE UVEITIS.

PURPOSE: To describe patients with intermediate uveitis complicated by vasoproliferative tumors (VPTs). METHODS: Data were collected at seven Uveitis/Ocular Oncology centers on demographic, ophthalmic findings at baseline and at follow-up, and on imaging. The therapeutic intervention, final visual acuity, and duration of follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 36 eyes from 34 patients (12 men, 22 women; mean age 35.3 ± 14.2 years) were included in this study. Visual acuity at presentation ranged from 20/40 to counting fingers. At the time of VPT diagnosis, intermediate uveitis was active in all eyes. The mean VPT thickness was 3.06 ± 0.86 mm. Local treatment to the VPT was provide in 22 eyes (61.1%) and no local treatment to the VPT in 14 eyes (38.9%). After the VPT was detected, systemic or local treatment for the inflammation was initiated and on follow-up FAs 94.4% of the eyes showed resolution of the vascular leakage. During follow-up of 35.8 months, the 22 VPTs treated locally had a reduction in the tumor thickness to 1.25 mm, whereas the 14 VPTs untreated remained stable (final mean tumor thickness 2.65 mm). CONCLUSION: The presence of active intermediate uveitis accompanied by VPTs suggests the need for an aggressive uveitis treatment.

Partial nephrectomy after selective embolization of tumor vessels in a hybrid operating room: A new approach of zero ischemia in renal surgery.

It is established that partial nephrectomy is the standard of care for tumors confined to the kidney. Achieving a partial nephrectomy without renal ischemia and limiting operative bleeding is the subject of numerous researches. Since 2010, hybrid operating rooms have been used to perform both interventional radiology and surgical procedures at the same place and time. We used this latest technology to treat 3 patients with localized kidney tumors. The tumors were of moderate complexity and all were treated after immediate hyperselective embolization by laparoscopic surgery without dissection and clamping of the renal pedicle. The embolization of tumor vessels could be performed using image-stitching software. After embolization, operative time was 50, 70 and 80 minutes and blood loss was less than 100 ml for each case. Postoperative control 3D arteriography confirmed the respect of the vascularization of the healthy renal parenchyma. No postoperative complications occurred. Combined approach including hyperselective embolization and partial nephrectomy in the same time in a dedicated operating room is a new approach of zero ischemia during partial nephrectomy which reduces the difficulty of the surgery, limits injury to the kidney and increases patient safety.

Post-radiation atypical vascular proliferation on the head of a young woman: a diagnostic challenge.

With improved outcomes associated with radiotherapy (RT), post-irradiation tumors are increasingly seen in long-term cancer survivors. We report a case of a young woman who presented with a three-year history of a vascular lesion on the temple, previously irradiated for a childhood brain tumor. The history of radiation, the clinical appearance, and the biopsy findings of an atypical vascular proliferation in the dermis, were worrisome for a malignant vascular neoplasm and prompted surgical excision. However, further tissue analysis of the excised specimen confirmed a benign atypical vascular lesion (AVL) overlying a banal pilar cyst. Distinguishing post-radiation benign from malignant vascular lesions can be difficult because they share overlapping clinical and histopathologic features. Thus, any vascular lesion that occurs in a previously irradiated field should be excised completely with tumor-free margins and examined histologically.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of cavernous sinus angioleiomyoma: a report of four cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to retrospectively evaluate the imaging characteristics of cavernous sinus angioleiomyoma and explore appropriate surgical approaches. METHODS: A total of four cases admitted to our hospital for repeated episodes of headache were enrolled. The common clinical manifestations included decreased vision, diplopia, blepharoptosis and facial numbness. The first three patients were misdiagnosed with cavernous sinus hemangioma, meningioma and chordoma, respectively. The fourth case was suspected to be angioleiomyoma. Imaging examination showed an oval-shaped tumor occupying the cavernous sinus. The tumor was hypointense on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and extremely hyperintense on T2-weighted scan, which was similar to the cerebrospinal fluid, and was progressively enhanced from one side after gadolinium injection, pushing the internal carotid artery toward the inner side. RESULTS: Surgical resection was performed via an epidural approach for these four cases. Clinical symptoms were improved after surgery and no recurrence was observed during follow-up visits (average, 47.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: The initial symptom of cavernous sinus angioleiomyoma was repeated headache. The tumor seems extremely hyperintense on a T2-weighted image and expansive growth is pushing away the internal carotid artery rather than encasing it. It was progressively enhanced from one side after gadolinium injection. Surgical treatment based on an epidural approach had an excellent outcome in tumor resection and nerve protection.

Vascular skin lesions in children: a review of laser surgical and medical treatments.

Vascular anomalies are a common finding in children. Although most of these lesions are benign, they can be a severe cosmetic problem and cause structural and functional damage to nearby tissues. As a result, physicians are tasked with developing effective treatment options with superior safety profiles. Vascular anomalies may be divided into tumors and malformations. Vascular tumors, such as infantile hemangiomas, typically appear a few months after birth, whereas the majority of vascular malformations, such as port-wine stains, are present at birth. Although these lesions vary in appearance, etiology, and disease course, many are treated in a similar fashion. In this review, we focus on treatment modalities for some of the more-prevalent childhood vascular lesions, including port-wine stains, primary telangiectasias, infantile hemangiomas, pyogenic granulomas, and angiomas.

Vulvar vascular tumors: a clinicopathologic study of 85 patients.

The subepidermal hormonally sensitive tissue of the vulva is anatomically unique and may give rise to a wide variety of vascular tumors. As a consequence, classifying vulvar vascular lesions has been challenging due both to the wide variety of lesions that may be encountered and the heterogeneity in reporting across several disciplines. The purpose of this study is to present an institutional experience of vulvar vascular lesions. Overall, 85 patients were identified over a 26-year period. Vascular lesions belonging to the following classes included (n, %total) benign vascular tumors (32, 38%), dilatations of preexisting vessels (31, 36%), hyperplasia/reactive (7, 8%), tumors with significant vascular component (11, 13%), malformations (3, 4%), and malignant vascular tumors (1, 1%). Two reaction patterns based on vulvar lymphatic pathology were identified: one is a stromal dominant pattern and the other is a vascular dominant pattern. Vulvar vascular malformations and true vascular malignancies, although rare, may have associated high morbidity. To accurately classify vulvar lymphatic lesions, the pathologist must carefully consider the patient's clinical history taking into account features such as preexisting lymphedema.

Clinicopathological features and management of hepatic vascular tumors. A 20-year experience in a Greek University Hospital.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to review the clinical features, diagnostic modalities, treatment options and pathological characteristics of various types of hepatic vascular tumors treated in our Institution over the last 20 years. METHODS: From 1991 to 2011, 761 cases of various hepatic lesions, benign and malignant, were surgically treated in our hospital. Among these, 56 (7.35%) hepatectomy specimens referred to vascular tumors. The records of these patients were retrieved and demographics , tumor characteristics, treatment, and actuarial survival were analyzed. The various therapeutic procedures, postoperative complications, follow-up data and the pre-and postoperative diagnostic difficulties were registered and analyzed. RESULTS: Pathological examination showed: hepatic hemangiomas in 35 (62.5%) patients (80% females), hepatic angiosarcomas in 7 patients (12.5%; males 71.4%), hepatic epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas in 9 (16%; females 50%) and hepatic angiomyolipomas in 5 patients (9%; females 60%). CONCLUSIONS: Vascular tumors of the liver comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, benign, malignant and of intermediate degree of malignant behavior. These lesions can create great diagnostic difficulties, pre- and postoperative considerations, but the correct pathological diagnosis and classification of vascular hepatic tumors are most of the times mandatory in order to choose the proper therapeutic actions.

Management of Pulmonary Artery Synovial Sarcoma: The 3-Step Surgical Approach.

Primary pulmonary artery sarcoma is an uncommon neoplasm. Given its clinical and radiographic resemblance to pulmonary embolism, initial diagnostic steps may be complicated, leading to delay in diagnosis. This report presents the case of a 52-year-old-woman who was admitted with pulmonary embolism. She underwent pulmonary embolectomy, and histopathologic examination revealed synovial sarcoma.

Ruptured duodenal varices successfully treated by mini-loop ligation: report of a case.

Bleeding from duodenal varices is a rare, but often fatal manifestation of portal hypertension and these ectopic varices are more common in extrahepatic portal venous obstruction. There are over 160 cases of duodenal varices reported in the English literature. A 47-year-old female presented with massive hematemesis and prolonged shock. Initial endoscopy revealed non-bleeding small esophageal varices and large varices in the first portion of the duodenum with spurting bleeding. Endoscopic hemostasis was obtained with 5 detachable nylon loops. Portal hypertension was caused by liver cirrhosis and postthrombotic portal cavernoma. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of successful mini-loop ligation of bleeding duodenal varices reported in the literature.

A Venous Malformation: An Unusual Primary Cardiac Tumor in Children.

This case report describes a primary cardiac tumor, classified as venous malformation, diagnosed in an asymptomatic child. The tumor was located in the left atrium near the mitral valve without affecting the mitral valve's functioning. Complete resection of the lesion was performed because of the risk of systemic embolism. The lesion consisted of fibrous tissue with multiple venous vascular channels. The patient did not have similar lesions in other locations. Vascular primary cardiac tumors are extremely rare. Hemangiomas and lymphangiomas have been described previously, but to our knowledge, this is the first primary cardiac tumor identified as a venous malformation.

A patient with a juxtaglomerular cell tumor with histological vascular invasion.

BACKGROUND: A 51-year-old woman was referred to the Hypertension Clinic of L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec Hospital, University of Québec Hospital Centre, with hypertension. Her hypertension had been evolving for approximately 30 years and was refractory to maximum doses of four antihypertensive agents. Routine blood testing revealed mild hypokalemia. INVESTIGATIONS: Physical examination, urine and blood analyses including measurement of renin and aldosterone levels, echocardiography, fundoscopy, abdominal-pelvis CT scan and histopathology studies. DIAGNOSIS: Juxtaglomerular cell tumor with vascular invasion. MANAGEMENT: Radical nephrectomy, and follow-up visits to monitor blood pressure and renin levels.

Primary angiosarcoma of the brain in a child.

We describe a pediatric case of primary angiosarcoma of the brain displaying striking intravascular papillary pattern, consistent with the "Dabska tumor," often in continuity with a massive, multifocal intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia. The tumor contained small hemangioma and obliterated dysplastic arteries as well as very large thin-walled veins. The surrounding brain tissue showed scattered telangiectasias, conglomerates of calcified dysplastic arteries, old hemorrhages and gliosis. Colocalization of these lesions suggests the development of a papillary angiosarcoma in the pre-existing vascular malformation. Although never reported, the possibility of a malignant transformation of endothelial papillary hyperplasia also should be considered in this case.

Intraoperative MR imaging: preliminary results with 3 tesla MR system.

UNLABELLED: Aim of this study is to present the initial clinical experience with 3 tesla intraoperative MR (ioMR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 3T MRI suite is built adjacent to the neurosurgical operation theatre. The magnet room and the operation theatre are interconnected by a door and both RF-shielded. Before the operation, the magnet (3T Trio, Siemens) and the console rooms are disinfected. Whenever imaging is needed during the operation, the door is opened and the patient is transferred from the operation table to the magnet cradle. Axial, sagittal and/or coronal TSE T2, SE T1 and 3D Flash T1 weighted images (4-6 mm section thickness, 1 mm interslice gap) are obtained according to the lesion. Total examination time is approximately 10 minutes. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were examined with ioMR. There were ten female and seven male patients. Lesions were pituitary adenoma in 10, low grade glial tumor in 9, meningioma and high grade glial tumor in 2 each and metastasis, haemangioblastoma and chordoma in one each. Follow-up time was 1 to 9 months. In 16 patients the first intraoperative examination revealed gross total tumor excision. However, in 10 patients due to tumor remnants surgical intervention was continued and a second examination revealed gross total tumor excision in all. Postoperative routine MR examinations confirmed total tumor excision in all patients. No complication occurred in this series. CONCLUSION: This small group of patients examined with ioMR demonstrated that the procedure is simple, helpful in achieving gross total tumor excision without complications.

Non-meningeal tumours of the cavernous sinus: a surgical analysis.

The popularisation of cavernous sinus approaches and subsequent experience has shaped our treatment paradigms for cavernous sinus meningiomas. However, pathologies in this region are diverse and each one requires individual consideration. The purpose of this study was first to analyse, define and summarise the individual characteristics of different non-meningeal tumours of the cavernous sinus and, secondly, to stress that their surgery can be accomplished with acceptable morbidity and rewarding results when those characteristics are considered. A retrospective analysis of 42 cases of benign non-meningeal tumours of the cavernous sinus operated on at Marmara University between April 1992 and April 2003 is presented. The patients were 15 males and 27 females aged 24-72 years. The study cohort consisted of 13 pituitary adenomas, 11 trigeminal schwannomas, seven chordomas, three chondrosarcomas, two juvenile angiofibromas, two epidermoid tumours, one plasmacytoma, one cavernous haemangioma and one internal carotid plexus schwannoma. The 42 patients underwent 46 operations aimed at radical surgical excision. Total resection was achieved in 50% and subtotal resection in 50% of cases. The majority of incompletely resected tumours were pituitary adenomas and chordomas, and 95% required further treatment. Twenty-nine percent of patients developed complications, namely cerebrospinal fluid fistula, haematoma, hydrocephalus, diabetes insipidus, cerebral infarction and cranial nerve palsies. Recurrence was seen in 7.1% of patients. At final follow up at an average of 48.2 months after surgery, the mean Karnofsky performance scale had risen from 83.4 to 87.4. Non-meningeal tumours of the cavernous sinus can be surgically resected with acceptable morbidity and mortality. In selected tumours the results are better than those for cavernous sinus meningiomas. The best surgical results are achieved with interdural tumours of the lateral sinus wall and the worst surgical results are seen in invasive tumours such as chordomas and pituitary adenomas. Individual tumour characteristics are presented in the text.