Peripheral neuroepithelioma: a study of eight cases

Peripheral neuroepithelioma [PN] is a rare highly malignant tumor, classified in the group of small round cell tumors. We report eight cases of PN, based on histologic appearance and immunohistochemical staining for neuron-specific enolase [NSE]. Electron microscopy was also performed in three cases. The tumors exhibited rapid local growth, leading to limb amputation in five cases. Histologically the presence of Homer-Wright rosettes is a characteristic of this neoplasm. Tumoral cells are generally positive for NSE. The relationship of PN with Ewing's sarcoma is discussed

Neonatal primary hyperparathyroidism: report of two clinical cases without bone lesions and literature review

Primary hyperparathyroidism is reported in two neonates from unrelated parents. Clinical signs became apparent during the first weeks of life and included severe respiratory distress, muscular hypotonia, failure to thrive and polyuria. Both patients had marked hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, increased plasma immunoreactive parathyroid hormone and increased fractional clearance of inorganic phosphate in the urine. Radiography revealed normal bone density without sign of hyperparathyroidism. Since they did not respond to medical therapy, a near total parathyroidectomy was performed at 2 months of age for the first case and at 1 month of age for the second. The characteristic pathologic changes of the glands were those of chief cell hyperplasia. Post-parathyroidectomy, both patients developed hypocalcemia which was controlled with vitamin D and calcium therapy

role of colored duplex sonography in detection of deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity

Color doppler U.S. imaging was used to evaluate 110 patients with suspected lower extremity venous thrombosis. They were complaining of pain, tenderness and swelling. Occlusive and non occlusive venous thrombi were detected in 52 patients [47 percent] either in external iliac, femoral, popliteal or leg veins. The veins lower limbs were examined by a combination of B-mode Duplex sonography with color flow mapping which can give very accurate information about patency of veins and their blood flow. It can visualize venous thrombi which are partially or totally occluding the venous lumen. Compressibility of the veins under pressure and augmentation of venous blood flow with muscle compression were very accurate signs about the patency of lower limb veins. Out of 52 patients with deep vein thrombosis, 6 patients had external iliac vein thrombosis, 21 patients had femoral vein thrombosis, 18 patients had popliteal vein thrombosis and 7 patients had thrombosis of leg veins. Duplex ultrasound has demonstrated its utility and efficacy in the diagnosis and follow-up of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity beside its availability for repeated follow up examinations