The Prognostic Importance of Cancer Stem Cells in Colorectal Polyps.

BACKGROUND: This purpose aims to investigate the usefulness of CD133, a stem cell marker, for the prognosis of colon polyps. This study aimed to assess the adenomatous polyps that have an essential role in the development of colorectal cancer. The risk of colorectal carcinogenesis can be reduced by polypectomy and close medical supervision of the patients with adenomatous polyps. The prominence of stem cells in carcinoma development is also a recognized verdict. It must be noted that stem cell evaluation in adenomatous polyps may provide information about carcinoma development. METHOD: Previously pathologically assessed colorectal polyps in 60 males and 40 females at Azerbaijan Medical University were reevaluated at the Pathology Department under the Meram Medical Faculty. Hematoxylin-eosin stained preparations were examined, and cases with and without dysplasia were determined. The image analysis program re-examined the preparations, and the same image analysis system automatically counted CD133 positive stained cells in the unit area. At the end of the follow-up period after polypectomy, the cases of malignancy were detected. RESULTS: The relationship between CD133 expression of dysplasia and malignancy was statistically compared. During the investigation, the statistically significant relationship between CD133 expression and dysplasia, as well as malignancy development, was observed in this study. CONCLUSION: During the examination, the statistical significance of CD133 expression was detected in cases with dysplasia and malignancy. The investigation of CD133 expression in colorectal polyps is crucial in determining the presence of dysplasia and malignancy development, particularly in obtaining prognostic data in colorectal polyps.

A Comparison Between Hyaluronic Acid Filler and Dermofat Grafts With or Without Tie-Over Dressing for Lip Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: There are many different autologous grafts used for lip augmentation, such as fat, fascia, or dermofat grafts (DFG). However, filling with synthetic materials such as hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers is the most preferred method. OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to compare DFG with HA fillers regarding cost, permanence, complication rate, gained volume, and satisfaction rate. The authors investigated the effect of tie-over dressings on the viability of DFG. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who received hyaluronic acid fillers were referred to as Group H. Patients who received grafts without tie-over and with tie-over dressings formed Groups D1 and D2, respectively. The lip index (LI) was used for volume comparisons. The viable area of the grafts was measured using ultrasound imaging. RESULTS: At postoperative month 6, the only significant difference was found between Group D1 and Group D2 ( p < .05). At the postoperative first year, Groups D1 and D2 had a statistically higher LI value compared with Group H. Group D2 had a higher viable area than Group D2 ( p < .05). Group H and Group D2 showed higher satisfaction scores than Group D1 ( p < .05). CONCLUSION: Dermofat grafts with or without tie-over dressings can be considered a reliable and inexpensive choice for patients who seek a more permanent procedure. Tie-over dressings increase the predictability of DFG and reduce the need for overcorrection.

Histopathological Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma Effect in Acute Tympanic Membrane Perforation.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a reliable and has low side-effect profile and has beneficial effects on wound healing. Its investigatory effects on wound-healing process were shown on various tissues. This study aims to investigate PRP's local application effects to perforated rat TM in terms of healing and histopatological outcomes. Twenty-two Wistar rats were used in the study. The rats' ears were examined with a pediatric endoscope (2.7 mm, 0°), and the TM posterior quadrant of their right ear was perforated with a 20-gauge needle. After this procedure, the rats were divided into two equal groups. A spongel with PRP was applied on the perforated TM in the first group, and spongel with standard saline solution was applied on the second group. Following the sacrifice, the middle air bullas were carefully dissected and removed for histopathological examination. Hematoxylin eosin (for fibroblasts, lymphocyte, collagen fibers) and immunohistochemical staining were done for epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) staining for histopathologic examinations. There was not a significant difference between the two groups for lymphocyte. There was a significant difference between control and study groups for collagen and EGFR (P < 0.05). Although the mean value of FGF- and VEGF-positive cells was higher in the study group than in the control group, the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). PRP is an effective autologous material for the healing process of acute TM perforations in a rat model, as demonstrated in the present study. We think that the use of PRP for acute TM perforations can have a positive effect on the healing process by increasing the level of growth factors, especially EGFR. In addition, an increase in collagen can also have a positive effect on healing. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-021-02912-2.

Does Estradiol Level in Platelet-Rich Plasma Improve Efficacy of Androgenic Alopecia Treatment?

BACKGROUND: Although some studies in the literature report that autologous and homologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be employed in the treatment of androgenic alopecia (AGA), no study, to the authors' knowledge, has examined the estrogen concentration of prepared PRP. OBJECTIVES: The authors aimed to determine the presence of estrogen in PRP and to investigate the effect of estrogen concentration of PRP on AGA treatment. METHODS: Between 2017 and 2018, 30 male patients with hair loss complaints were included in this prospective study. Autologous PRP was injected in patients in Group 1. Homologous PRP with high estrogen levels was injected in the patients in Group 2. PRP was injected in both groups 4 times at 0, 1, 3, and 6 months. The obtained photographs were evaluated and hair densities of each patient at controls were calculated. RESULTS: The mean estrogen level measured in PRP was statistically significantly higher in Group 2. In both groups, the increase in hair density was observed from the first month, but this increase was statistically significantly higher in all controls in Group 2. In Group 2, there was a statistically significant increase in the 1st and 3rd months compared with the previous control, but there was no difference between the 6th and 12th months and the 3rd month. CONCLUSIONS: Increased hair density is greater and earlier in the group receiving estrogen-rich PRP than in the group utilizing autologous PRP. The authors think that estrogen-rich PRP may be employed in the treatment of AGA in the presence of an appropriate donor.

The effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on rib fracture: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of lowintensity pulsed ultrasound on rib fracture healing in a rat model. METHODS: A total of 72 male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into three equal groups. To induce a rib fracture, right thoracotomy was performed under general anesthesia and a 0.5-cm segment was removed from the fourth and fifth ribs. After 24 h of surgery, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound was implemented according to the groups. Group 1 served as the control group for the observation of normal bone healing. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound was applied at a dose of 20% (2 msn pulse-8 msn pause) 100 mW/cm2 and 50% (5 msn pulse-5 msn pause) 200 mW/cm2 for six min, respectively in Group 2 and Group 3. All subjects were followed for six weeks. Eight animals from each group were sacrificed at two, four, and six weeks for further assessment. Histological alterations in the bone were examined. RESULTS: Although there was no statistically significant difference in osteoblasts, osteoclasts, new bone formation, and lymphocyte count among the groups, histological consolidation was significantly increased by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. While low-intensity pulsed ultrasound induced osteoblastic, osteoclastic, and new bone formation, it inhibited lymphocyte infiltration. CONCLUSION: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, either at low or high doses, induced the histological consolidation of rib fractures and inhibited lymphocyte infiltration. This effect was more prominent in the long-term and at higher dose with increased daily and total administration time. We, therefore, believe that accelerating the natural healing process in patients with rib fractures would enable to treat more effectively in short-term.

Effects of topical mitomycin-C on the tracheal epithelia of rabbits following tracheostomy

Background/aim: We aimed to investigate the topical application of mitomycin-C (MMC) after the conventional tracheostomy in a rabbit model. Materials and methods: Twenty-four male New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided among 3 equal groups (n: 8). Trache- ostomies were performed on 16 subjects. Group 1 which served as a control for all tracheal measurements. After tracheostomy, we applied sterile saline (group 2) or MMC at 0.8 mg/mL (group 3) around the tracheotomy site for 5 min. At the 3rd week after surgery, all tracheas were subjected to morphometric and histopathological examinations, including tracheal lumen diameter (LD), number of capillary vessels (CV), subepithelial tissue thickness (SETT), fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells (IC). Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two tracheostomy groups themselves and the control group for LD (p = 0.035), CV (p = 0.006), SETT, fibroblasts, and IC (p < 0.001). Histopathological analysis showed the decreased LD, CV, SETT, IC, and fibroblasts compared to MMC with tracheostomy groups. MMC was more effective than saline for LD, CV, SETT, IC, and fibroblasts. Conclusion: Wound healing modulation may prevent scar formation. Fibrosis decreased following tracheostomy in the group treated with MMC. Fibroblasts appear to be key cells mediating these effects.

Comparison of the Effects of Two Different Analgesics on Bone Regeneration During Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO) is frequently used in the management of bone defects and craniofacial deformities, with analgesics commonly administered to relieve acute postoperative pain. This experimental animal study investigated the effects of 2 analgesics, acetaminophen and acemetacin, on bone regeneration after DO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted with 14 mature male New Zealand rabbits (2.8-3.2 kg) randomized into 2 groups of 7. Mandibular osteotomies were performed under optimal operating conditions, and a custom-made distractor was applied to the mandible of each subject, with distraction initiated after a 5-day latency period at a rate of 1.0 mm/d (2 × 0.5 mm/d) for 10 days. Analgesics were administered via oral gavage during the latency period and for the first 5 days of the distraction period for 10 days in total, with group I receiving acetaminophen (200 mg/kg/d) and group II receiving acemetacin (5 mg/kg/d). Subjects were sacrificed and their mandibles dissected at the end of 4 weeks postoperatively. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and histomorphometric analysis was performed to evaluate the quality of newly formed bone. Paired group comparisons of non-normally distributed numerical variables were made using the Mann-Whitney U test, with a P value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: No significant differences in BMC and BMD values of intact bone, newly formed bone, or bone around the pin site were observed between the 2 groups. Histometric analysis also indicated acetaminophen and acemetacin to have similar effects on bone regeneration during distraction. CONCLUSION: Acemetacin may be an alternative to acetaminophen for treating pain associated with DO, given the similarities in the effects of the 2 analgesics on bone regeneration. However, this finding should be supported by further experimental and human studies.

Left Atrial Giant Cell Myocarditis Presenting as a Tumor: First-in-Man Case Report.

Giant cell myocarditis is a rare and highly lethal disorder with resultant cardiac insufficiency. It necessitates aggressive immune suppression therapy, although the results are often fatal. When it affects only the atria, the characteristics of the disease changes completely. In this case report, we present atypical presentation of atrial giant cell myocarditis with mass lesion, which completely resolved after successful surgical resection without immuno suppression therapy.

Left atrial giant cell myocarditis presenting as a tumor: first-in-man case report

Abstract Giant cell myocarditis is a rare and highly lethal disorder with resultant cardiac insufficiency. It necessitates aggressive immune suppression therapy, although the results are often fatal. When it affects only the atria, the characteristics of the disease changes completely. In this case report, we present atypical presentation of atrial giant cell myocarditis with mass lesion, which completely resolved after successful surgical resection without immuno suppression therapy.

The role of vitamin E in the prevention of zoledronic acid-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: a light and electron microscopy study.

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates are widely used in metastatic cancer such as prostate and breast cancer, and their nephrotoxic effects have been established previously. In this study we aimed to evaluate both the nephrotoxic effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) and the protective effects of vitamin E (Vit-E) on this process under light and electron microscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups. The first group constituted the control group. The second group was given i.v. ZA of 3 mg/kg once every 3 weeks for 12 weeks from the tail vein. The third group received the same dosage of ZA with an additional i.m. injection of 15 mg Vit-E every week for 12 weeks. Tissues were taken 4 days after the last dose of ZA for histopathological and ultrastructural evaluation. Paller score, tubular epithelial thickness and basal membrane thickness were calculated for each group. RESULTS: For group 2, the p-values are all < 0.001 for Paller score, epitelial thickness, and basal membrane thickness. For group 3 (ZA + Vit. E), the p-values are < 0.001 for Paller score, 0.996 for epitelial thickness, and < 0.001 basal membrane thickness. Significant differences were also observed in ultrastructural changes for group 2. However, adding Vit-E to ZA administration reversed all the histopathological changes to some degree, with statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of ZA had nephrotoxic effects on rat kidney observed under both light and electron microscopy. Concomitant administration of Vit-E significantly reduces toxic histopathological effects of ZA.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Homologous and Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Treating Androgenic Alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common cause of hair loss in both sexes, accounts for 95% of all cases of hair loss. Although the literature has suggested that both nonactivated (n-PRP) and activated autologous (a-PRP) PRP can be used to treat AGA, we did not find any study investigating the use of homologous PRP (h-PRP) for this purpose. Also, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies comparing the efficacy of h-PRP, a-PRP, or n-PRP on AGA therapy. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the increase in hair density, average number of platelets, complications, preparation, and duration of application in the treatment of AGA using a-PRP, n-PRP, and h-PRP. METHODS: Between 2014 and 2015, we studied male patients who had experienced increased hair loss in the last year. Patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 received n-PRP, Group 2 received active PRP, and Group 3 received h-PRP. For Group 1, PRP was prepared by a single centrifugation prepared from the patient's own blood. For Group 2, the PRP was prepared from the patient's own blood, but a second centrifugation was applied for platelet activation with calcium chloride. For Group 3, the PRP was prepared from pooled platelets with the same blood group as the patient from the blood center. PRP was injected at 1, 2, and 6 months. The hair density (n/cm2) of each patient before and after injection was calculated. Each patient was assigned a fixed evaluation point at the time of application to calculate hair density. RESULTS: At 2, 6, and 12 months after the first treatment, the increase in hair density was calculated as 11.2, 26.1, and 32.4%, respectively, in Group 1; 8.1, 12.5, and 20.8%, respectively, in Group 2; and 16.09, 36.41, and 41.76%, respectively, in Group 3. The increase in hair density was statistically significantly greater in Group 1 than in Group 2 and more so in Group 3 than in both groups among all controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of both PRPs was determined in AGA treatment in our study. However, it was determined statistically that the increase in hair density with h-PRP was greater than with autologous PRP groups. We believe that h-PRP therapy can be used in patients with AGA presenting with hair loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Histological evaluation of effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin on healing of sinus membrane perforations: A preclinical animal study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in repairing of Schneiderian membrane perforations in rabbit maxillary sinus. A total of 42 female New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. Symmetrical bony defects were created 1 cm in diameter and the sinus membranes were exposed. The Schneiderian membranes were elevated in both sinuses and each membrane was perforated with a 1 cm incision. No treatment was applied to the right perforations in both groups. Left-sided perforations were closed with collagen membrane in the first group and PRF membrane in the other group. Seven animals randomly selected from each group were sacrificed at weeks 1, 2 and 4 in order to be able to examine the amounts of lymphocytes, fibroblasts, veins, and collagen fibers in the area where the membranes were applied. Histological analyses showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the collagen membrane and the PRF membrane in the healing of sinus perforation area. PRF may be considered as an alternative application to collagen membrane in sinus membrane perforations.

High-Grade Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma Arising from the Parotid Gland: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Basal cell adenocarcinomas are exceptionally rare and were first included in the histopathological classification of salivary gland tumors by the World Health Organization in 1991. These tumors are generally described as a low-grade malignancy with rare regional or distant metastasis. However, 48 basal cell adenocarcinoma cases arising from the major salivary glands have been described as high-grade malignancy in the English literature. Surgical excision and possible postoperative radiotherapy is the treatment of choice. Close follow up is mandatory for early detection of possible local recurrence. A 66-year-old female with high-grade basal cell adenocarcinoma of the parotid gland was presented in this study. Total parotidectomy with protection of the facial nerve integrity and postoperative radiotherapy were performed. At the most recent follow-up examination, 24 months after the surgery, the patient had no complaints and there was no sign of disease recurrence.

Effects of resveratrol and cigarette smoking onbone healing: histomorphometric evaluation.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of cigarette smoke (CS) and simultaneous application of resveratrol on bone healing histomorphometrically and to evaluate the effects of resveratrol on negative effects of CS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 4 weeks, Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to cigarette smoke at the equivalent of 6 cigarettes per day. After this period, monocortical defects were created in femurs by a trephine bur on day 28. Starting from the day of defect creation to the 28th postoperative day, rats were given 20 mg/kg body weight resveratrol. Histomorphometric examination of the number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, as well as new bone area, was conducted. RESULTS: Investigations were carried out on 33 rats. Differences between osteoblast numbers in the control and CS groups were significant, and CS caused a reduction in the number of osteoblasts. Areas of new bone formation in the resveratrol and control groups were higher than in the smoking and smoking+resveratrol groups. CONCLUSION: Smoking appeared to have adverse effects upon bone healing and resveratrol administration helped to reduce these effects.

Effects of osteoformin in the rapid distraction osteogenesis of rabbit mandibles.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of osteoformin on mineralisation and quality of the new bone formation during rapid distraction osteogenesis. METHODS: This multi-centre study was conducted at the Karadeniz Technical University, Middle East Technical University and Selcuk University. The experimental study was conducted from January 2010 to September 2012 and comprised New-Zealand rabbits that were randomly divided into three groups. In group I distraction rate was 1 mm/day while in groups II and III distraction rates were 2mm/day and 1 mm/day. In groups I and II 100µg/kg osteoformin was injected after the latency period. Distraction region was evaluated by radiological, histomorphometrical and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry analyses. SPSS 17 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 18 rabbits with each of three groups having 6(33.3%). Accelerated bone healing was noted in groups I and II compared with group III (p<0.05). No significant differences were indicated between groups I and II (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Local injection of osteoformin was effective in the craniomaxillofacial distraction osteogenesis in rabbits. Further experimental studies are recommended before using osteoformin on humans.

Treatment of Acute Vocal Fold Injury With Platelet-Rich Plasma.

OBJECTIVES: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a reliable and has low side-effect profile and has beneficial effects on wound healing. Its investigatory effects on wound-healing process were shown on various tissues. The aim of the present study was to evaluate effectiveness of PRP application on scar tissue of acute vocal fold injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar rats were used in the study. The entire layer of the lamina propria down to the thyroarytenoid muscle of 10 subjects was unilaterally injured by with a microscissor. Gelfoam-absorbed PRP was applied on the injured area for 10 minutes. Control group consisted of rats unilaterally injured using a microscissor, and gelfoam with normal saline was applied on the injured area. Following sacrifice, the larynxes were carefully dissected and removed for histopathologic examination. After excised larynx experiments, serial sections were prepared from vocal fold. Hematoxylin eosin and immunohistochemical staining were done for epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) staining for histopathologic examinations. RESULTS: There was not a significant difference between the two groups for lymphocyte. Although collagen and VEGF were higher in the study group, there was not a significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference between control and study groups for EGFR and FGFR1(P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PRP has beneficial effects on wound healing. PRP accelerates epithelization of injured rat vocal folds by inducing EGFR secretion. PRP is an autogenous, reliable, low side-effect profile, easily harvested material. PRP may be useful to prevent scar formation.

The effect of dosage on the efficiency of LLLT in new bone formation at the expanded suture in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect that dosage has on the efficiency of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in bone formation in a rat study model. Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups as only expansion (OE), expansion + low dose (0.15 J) (LD), expansion + medium dose (0.65 J) (MD), and expansion + high dose (198 J) (HD) laser therapy groups. The midpalatal suture was expanded during 5 days. Afterwards, irradiations were started and performed with an 820 nm, continuous wave, Ga-Al-As diode laser (Doris, CTL-1106MX, Warsaw, Poland). At the end of experiment, the premaxillae of the animals were dissected. The sections were transferred into PC environment and analyzed by using Image Analysis program. Number of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, fibroblasts, vessels, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) expression, and new bone formation were evaluated with this program. Amount of expansion did not show any difference among the groups. All parameters except the number of osteoclasts were increased in all lased groups while that parameter was significantly decreased. Vessels, TGF-ß expression, and new bone formation were mostly increased in LD group followed by HD group. Among the lased groups, a significant difference was observed only for the amount of new bone formation, which was between the LD and the MD groups. On the other hand, the difference in this parameter was insignificant between OE and MD groups. Low-level laser therapy with both 5 and 6,300 J/cm(2) doses was found to be significantly effective, while the 20 J/cm(2) dose did not show a significant effect in increasing new bone formation. This finding reveals that the efficiency of the therapy is affected by the dosage.

Immunohistochemical analysis of CD45RO+ T cells and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in cyclosporin A-induced rat gingival tissue.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD45RO(+) T cells, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in cyclosporin A (CsA)-induced rat overgrown gingival tissue during an 8-week period. METHODS: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200 to 250 g were used in this study. Mandibular first molars were ligated with 3-0 silk suture. The rats received daily doses of 0.09% NaCl (control group) or 10 mg/kg body weight of CsA (test group) by intraperitoneal injections. Five rats from the control group and 10 rats from the test group were sacrificed at each experimental period (2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the beginning of CsA treatment). The specimens were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD45RO(+) T cells, and VEGF expression were more prevalent in the CsA-treated group than in the control group (P <0.05). VEGF was significantly correlated with CD4(+) T cells, CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio, and CD45RO(+) cells (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, we conclude that VEGF, a major regulator of angiogenesis, and CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD45RO(+) memory T cells play a key role in CsA-induced gingival overgrowth.

The first case report of a metastatic myxoid liposarcoma invading the left atrial cavity and pulmonary vein.

Myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) is the most commonly encountered liposarcoma subgroup, accounting for about 50% of all cases. Metastatic MLS of the heart is extremely rare. Herein we describe for the first time metastasis of MLS to the left atrium and left upper pulmonary vein in a 54-year-old woman who was admitted with shortness of breath and cough persisting for 2 weeks. The patient reported that a total surgical excision of MLS of the left thigh followed by radiotherapy was performed 4 years ago. An emergency operation was performed due to rapidly progressive worsening of clinical condition and echocardiographic determination of left atrial mass protruding into the left ventricle and obstructing the mitral inflow throughout the diastole. The mass could not be totally excised because it was tightly adhered to the surrounding tissue. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 5 × 3 cm residual tumor deforming the posterior wall of the left atrium entirely and extending into the left upper pulmonary vein. Histopathological examination was consistent with MLS. In conclusion, considering probable cardiac metastasis in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms with medical history of soft tissue sarcomas would be life saving. The case is discussed, and a review of the literature in relation to the metastatic involvement of the heart by MLS is presented.

The role of intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm induced by subarachnoid haemorrhage: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) prevents cerebral vasospasm in rabbits with induced subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The effect of IVIG on apoptosis in the endothelial cells of the basilar artery was also evaluated. METHODS: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were allocated randomly into three groups. SAH was induced by injecting autologous blood into the cisterna magna. Group 1, the control group, was subjected to sham surgery (no induction of SAH). Group 2 had SAH alone and Group 3 had SAH plus IVIG. Three days after treatment, the animals were sacrificed. The basilar artery tissues were analysed histologically and the malondialdehyde levels in the brain stem tissues were evaluated biochemically. RESULTS: Differences in the histopathological luminal areas and full wall thicknesses in the SAH plus IVIG group and the SAH group were statically insignificant (p > 0.005). The malondialdehyde level was also found to be lower in the IVIG group than in the SAH group, although this difference was not significant (p > 0.005). CONCLUSION: Although the IVIG treatment was revealed to have no vasodilator effect on the SAH-induced spastic basilar artery, it was shown to have a beneficial effect on the apoptosis of endothelial cells, probably via anti-inflammatory mechanisms.