FDG PET evaluation of granular cell tumor of the breast.

Granular cell tumor is a rare, usually benign neoplasm of neural origin that may arise in virtually any site and, when situated in the breast, can mimic breast carcinoma. We describe a case of granular cell tumor of the breast in a 57-yr-old woman. Clinical evaluation, mammography, sonography and MRI suggested a carcinoma with infiltration of skin and muscle. However, the tumor did not display increased glucose metabolism on PET. Clinical findings, imaging results, histological characteristics and surgical management are discussed.

Angiogenin plasma levels during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the levels in plasma of angiogenin in healthy pregnant women and to examine whether there are differences between uncomplicated pregnancies and patients with the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets, preeclampsia-eclampsia, and highly pathologic Doppler flow findings without additional complications. STUDY DESIGN: Angiogenin was measured with a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A case control and observational study was conducted in 68 healthy women from the tenth to fortieth weeks of pregnancy and in 18 patients with the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets, 21 with preeclampsia/eclampsia and 13 with highly pathologic Doppler flow findings at admission for delivery. RESULTS: Between the tenth and fortieth weeks of uncomplicated pregnancy angiogenin plasma levels rose from 150 to 250 ng/ml (significant correlation). In patients with highly pathologic Doppler flow findings angiogenin is significantly reduced compared with healthy pregnant matched pairs (150 vs 219 ng/ml, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Rising plasma angiogenin levels in pregnancy may reflect persisting placental transformation and remodeling processes: in patients with highly pathologic Doppler flow findings these processes are disturbed and thus placental function is impaired.

[Obstetric aspects of post-cesarean section status]. / Geburtshilfliche Aspekte bei Zustand nach Sectio caesarea.

A rising Caesarean delivery rate is the reason, why the obstetrician should be very well informed about the management of vaginal birth after Caesarean section: It is feasible in almost all women with nonrecurrent indication for the preceeding Caesarean section. Suspected foetal macrosomia, twin gestation and breech presentation represent relative contraindications. External cephalic version is a reasonable option. In case of history of uterine scar dehiscence or rupture and in women with vertical uterine scar, repeat section should be performed.

[Acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon (Ogilvie syndrome) after cesarean section--a rare complication]. / Akute Pseudo-Obstruktion des Kolons (Ogilvie-Syndrom) nach Sectio caesarea--eine seltene Komplikation.

Despite the fact, that acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon (Ogilvie's syndrome) is a rare entity, many of the reported cases have occurred after gynaecologic and obstetric surgical procedures. In order to avoid life-threatening complications, such as caecal perforation, early detection and initiation of conservative treatment is necessary. We report on three cases with Ogilvie's syndrome after caesarean section. Symptoms and treatment are discussed.

Bilateral stromal Leydig cell tumour of the ovary. Case report and literature review.

The stromal Leydig cell tumour of the ovary is a very rare benign neoplasm which usually occurs in postmenopausal women. Due to a significant production of androgens by the tumour, it is frequently associated with symptoms of virilization. To our knowledge only 7 cases have been reported in the literature, one of them with bilateral manifestation. We report an additional case affecting both ovaries in a 59-year-old nun with long-standing virilism, review the literature, and discuss the histomorphological features for differential diagnosis.

[Androgenization in postmenopause in rare ovarian tumors--2 case reports]. / Androgenisierung in der Postmenopause bei seltenen Ovarialtumoren--zwei Fallberichte.

Androgen-producing tumours of the ovary are uncommon in postmenopausal women. We report on symptoms of two patients with androgenization due to a stromal-Leydig cell tumour and a steroid-cell tumour, respectively. Clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory findings and therapeutic consequences are discussed.