Electrochemical properties of MnSe inclusions and improving the pitting corrosion resistance of stainless steel via Se microalloying.

Controlling the electrochemical properties of non-metallic inclusions is of substantial interest in the design of corrosion-resistant alloys. To the best of our knowledge, the dissolution and pitting corrosion behavior of selenide inclusions in stainless steels and the improvement of the pitting corrosion resistance of type 304 stainless steels via Se microalloying have not been investigated. In this study, stainless steel specimens containing artificial MnS and MnSe inclusions were fabricated via spark plasma sintering to systematically investigate their electrochemical properties. The superior pitting corrosion resistance and dissolution resistance of MnSe to those of MnS were demonstrated. The results obtained from the sintered specimens were applied to improve the pitting corrosion resistance of type 304 stainless steels via Se microalloying. Adding a trace amount of Se (0.005 mass%) altered the readily soluble sulfide inclusions to dissolution-resistant selenide-type inclusions, resulting in improved pitting corrosion resistance of type 304 stainless steel.

A case of a recurrent low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma extending to the inferior vena cava (IVC) after the primary fertility-sparing surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: A case of Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG-ESS) invading the great vessels is rare. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old female who had no past history presented to a previous hospital with abdominal distension. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 15 cm pelvic mass beside the uterus, and only the pelvic mass was removed at the surgery. The tumor was judged to be a LG-ESS. The patient chose to be observed to preserve her fertility, and no adjuvant treatment was undertaken. Two years later, she was referred to our hospital due to recurrence of the pelvic mass. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a large tumor in the vena cava which extended from the left internal iliac vein and which originated from the pelvic tumor. An operation was performed by a multidisciplinary team. Complete resection of the tumor was achieved with a radical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, removal of recurrent pelvic masses and the intravascular tumor. We diagnosed a recurrence of LG-ESS. She received a postoperative adjuvant therapy of LG-ESS. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Patients with fertility-sparing treatment had higher recurrence rates. In cases of tumor intravenous extension, we should make every effort to extract the tumor to avoid sudden death. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treating this rare tumor with intravascular extension. In particular, patients with LG-ESS who receive fertility-sparing surgery should undertake postoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy in order to reduce the risk of recurrence, as was in this case.

Rapid reduction of adenomyosis coexisting with leiomyoma volume during treatment with Relugolix.

OBJECTIVE: This study elucidated the efficacy of Relugolix (REL) on the reduction of uterine volume and clinical symptoms for the treatment of adenomyosis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who received REL (40 mg for about 20 weeks) and who underwent a hysterectomy for adenomyosis or fibroids. We divided patients into two groups: adenomyosis coexisting with fibroids (Group A) and fibroids only (Group B); the groups were determined by a postoperative pathological examination. The primary end points were the percent reduction in uterine volume, adenomyotic lesion, and the largest fibroid volume at week 16. The secondary end points were the rate of amenorrhea, pelvic pain, and anemia at week 12. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients participated in the current study: 20 in Group A and 36 in Group B. Regarding the largest fibroid volume, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Uterine volume after REL treatment was significantly decreased in Group A (43%), as compared to Group B (27%) (p = .00972), In Group A, adenomyotic lesion was decreased by 61%. Irrespective of the group, adenomyosis showed a significant reduction compared to uterine fibroids (p < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in the mitigation of symptoms (amenorrhea, pelvic pain, and anemia) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: REL is more effective in reducing adenomyotic lesion than uterine fibroids and in relieving symptoms (amenorrhea, pelvic pain, and anemia). It can be expected that REL will also be used as a preoperative treatment for adenomyosis.

Uterine rupture in intramural ectopic pregnancy: A case report.

Intramural pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. It is defined by a gestation within the uterine wall, completely surrounded by myometrium and separated from the uterine cavity and the fallopian tube. We report a rare case of intramural ectopic pregnancy. If a patient has a history of intrauterine surgery or myomectomy, the possibility of intramural pregnancy, although rare, should not be ruled out.

Resection of giant liver hemangioma in a pregnant woman with coagulopathy: Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Hemangioma is a common benign tumor in the liver and usually asymptomatic. Scanty evidence concerning treatment modality of symptomatic hemangioma during pregnancy exists. CASE: A 35 year-old woman with giant hepatic cavernous hemangioma developed consumption coagulopathy due to the enlarged tumor, and underwent danaparoid therapy from 5 weeks of gestation (GW). Magnetic resonance image revealed giant hemangioma with 20 cm in diameter in the right lobe of the liver. A surgical operation of liver resection was successfully performed at 16 GW. Thereafter, the coagulopathy disappeared. She delivered a healthy male infant at 36 GW. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report of surgical resection therapy for giant liver hemangioma during pregnancy.