[A Case of Venous Malformation that Occurred in the Retroperitoneum].

A 70-year-old man complaining of pain in his right leg presented to the Department of Orthopedics in our hospital. X-ray findings revealed calcifications around the left kidney. He was referred to our department for further examination. Computed tomography revealed a tumor 3 cm in diameter with calcifications and an obscure border that was located on the caudal side of the pancreas, anterior to the left iliopsoas muscle and at the left side of the aorta. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the tumor had comparatively low intensity in diffusion-weighted images and the cell density was not high. The contrast of the tumor by enhanced computed tomography was weak, and we had difficulty judging whether the tumor was benign or malignant. Each tumor marker, immunity factor, and hormone-like catecholamine were within the normal range. We considered the retroperitoneal tumor with calcifications as Castleman disease or tumor of nerve origin. It is believed that most retroperitoneal tumors are malignant. We performed laparoscopic surgery to resect the retroperitoneal tumor. Histopathological diagnosis was a primary retroperitoneal venous malformation. Vascular malformation derived from the retroperitoneum is rare. Furthermore, very few cases of venous malformation in the retroperitoneum have been reported.

Polymerase chain reaction primer sets for the detection of genetically diverse human sapoviruses.

Sapoviruses are increasingly being recognized as pathogens associated with gastroenteritis in humans. Human sapoviruses are currently assigned to 18 genotypes (GI.1-7, GII.1-8, GIV.1, and GV.1-2) based on the sequence of the region encoding the major structural protein. In this study, we evaluated 11 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays using published and newly designed/modified primers and showed that four PCR assays with different primer combinations amplified all of the tested human sapovirus genotypes using either synthetic DNA or cDNA prepared from human sapovirus-positive fecal specimens. These assays can be used as improved broadly reactive screening tests or as tools for molecular characterization of human sapoviruses.

Electronic spectroscopy of the HCCN radical.

The Ã(3)A"-X̃(3)Σ(-) electronic transition of the HCCN∕DCCN radical was observed by laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. Rotationally resolved excitation spectra were observed for HCCN and DCCN, and effective molecular constants of the upper state were determined. The observed intensities of the rotational lines were anomalous, probably due to a level-dependent non-radiative decay process in the excited state. Fluorescence depletion spectroscopy was applied in order to observe non-fluorescent vibronic levels. A dispersed fluorescence spectrum was also observed to determine the vibrational level structure in the ground electronic state. The observed vibrational structures in the fluorescence depletion and dispersed fluorescence spectra were tentatively assigned based on the results of ab initio calculations.

Long-term results of surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma with local recurrence.

PURPOSE: Surgical treatment of local recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma is still controversial because of the increased morbidity in comparison to primary surgery, and the unclear efficacy. This study analyzed the efficacy and safety of surgery for recurrent disease. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of 86 patients who underwent surgery for local recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma at a single institution during the period 1979-2009. RESULTS: The cause-specific survival rates of all patients at 5, 10, and 20 years were 86 % (95 % CI 77-95 %), 74 % (95 % CI 62-87 %), and 36 % (95 % CI 18-54 %), respectively. A univariate analysis found that gender, age >45 years at reoperation and macroscopic non-curative surgery for recurrence affected the cause-specific survival rates. The latter two features remained significant in a multivariate analysis. Permanent recurrent nerve paralysis and hypoparathyroidism developed in 4 (4.7 %) and 5 (5.8 %) patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for local recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma could be effective when macroscopic curative dissection was possible, and that the procedure was safe and was associated with minimal morbidity. Therefore, repeat surgery for local recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma is worthwhile.

The effect of toremifene on lipid metabolism compared with that of tamoxifen in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Tamoxifen (TAM) and toremifene (TOR) prevent estrogen from stimulating breast cancer growth and also have agonistic effects in a number of physiological systems. TAM is known to increase intracellular triglyceride, but the action of TOR on lipid metabolism in vitro has not yet been determined. AIM: To compare the effect of TOR on lipid metabolism with that of TAM in vitro, using HepG2 cell lines. METHODS: Intracellular concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride in HepG2 cells were measured by an enzymatic method after TAM or TOR treatment. RESULTS: Intracellular concentrations of total cholesterol were decreased by both TAM and TOR, but not significantly different from the control level. TOR produced no changes in the intracellular concentrations of triglyceride, whereas TAM increased the intracellular concentrations of triglyceride at concentrations ranging from 10(-7) to 10(-5) mol/l of TAM (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant differences were noted between the two treated groups at concentrations ranging from 10(-9) to 10(-5) mol/l (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TOR treatment did not increase intracellular concentrations of triglyceride, although TAM treatment did so.

Prognostic importance of neuroendocrine differentiation in Japanese breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency and prognostic importance of neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in Japanese breast cancer patients. METHODS: We used standard immunohistochemical techniques to examine 50 patients who underwent resection of breast cancer between 1988 and 1993 at the Department of Surgery II, Nagoya University Hospital, for NED, defined as positive reactivity for four markers: neuron-specific enolase (NSE), synaptophysin, CD57, and chromogranin A (CGA). Neuroendocrine differentiation was defined by the presence of at least one marker including CGA, CD57, and synaptophysin, or at least two markers when one was positive for NSE. RESULTS: Neuroendocrine differentiation was found in 13 (26%) of the 50 patients examined. There were no significant differences in the distribution of patients with positive or negative NED in terms of age, menopausal status, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, histological grade, ER, PgR, and HER2. We calculated the cumulative survival rates of patient groups according to NED status, and found no significant difference in overall or disease-free survival between patients with and those without NED. CONCLUSION: Neuroendocrine differentiation was identified in a subset (26%) of Japanese breast cancer patients, but this appeared to have no relationship with established prognostic factors or patient outcome.

A phase I study of intraoperative radiotherapy for early breast cancer in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to identify the optimal intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) dose for early breast cancer in Japanese women. METHODS: A phase I study was designed using a scheme of dose-escalation from 19, 20, and 21 Gy at 90% isodose. The primary endpoint was early toxicity. Secondary endpoints were efficacy for a long period and late toxicity. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) tumor size <2.5 cm, (2) age >50 years, (3) surgical margin >1 cm, (4) intraoperative pathologically free margins, (5) written informed consent. Exclusion criteria were (1) contraindication to radiation therapy, (2) extensive intraductal component. Partial resection was performed with at least a 1-cm margin around the tumor. Radiation was delivered directly to the mammary gland employing a MOBETRON device. Toxicity was evaluated with the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 3.0. RESULTS: From December 2007 to September 2008, 9 patients were enrolled in the study. The first three patients received a radiation dose of 19 Gy. Within 3 months toxicity in each case was deep connective tissue fibrosis (grade 1: 2/3, grade 2: 1/3). The next three patients received a dose of 20 Gy and had toxicities of deep connective tissue fibrosis (grade 1: 3/3), hematoma (grade 1: 2/3), infection in the musculoskeletal soft tissue (grade 1: 2/3), and soft tissue necrosis (grade 2: 1/3). The final three patients received a dose of 21 Gy and had toxicities of deep connective tissue fibrosis (grade 1: 2/3), hematoma (grade 1: 1/3), infection in the musculoskeletal soft tissue (grade 1: 1/3), and soft tissue necrosis (grade 2: 2/3). CONCLUSIONS: The IORT treatment was tolerated very well in Japanese women, and we now recommend the dose of 21 Gy.

Long term parathyroid function following total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation in adult patients with MEN2A.

While there is no doubt that total thyroidectomy is necessary for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) patients, there is still controversy regarding the management of the parathyroid glands. Although most, but not all, endocrine surgeons leave normal-appearing parathyroid glands in situ during thyroid surgery for MEN2A, we have employed total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation. Between 1994 and 2006, 12 MEN2A patients underwent therapeutic total or completion thyroidectomy and lymph nodes dissection at least in the central compartment for MTC. Total or completion parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation was performed concurrently with above-mentioned surgery. All patients were over 25 years old, and the median age was 48.5 years. There were 5 males and 7 females from 8 families. The average number of transplanted parathyroid glands was 3. Serum calcium and intact PTH levels have been maintained during the median follow up of 107 months in all patients except for one who of died of advanced MTC one year after surgery. Total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation at the time of primary surgery for MTC, i.e. total thyroidectomy with bilateral central neck dissection, is a feasible approach for managing the risk of hyperparathyroidism.

Retrograde flexible ureteroscopy-assisted retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy for refractory ureteral stricture: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy (UU) is a preferred and valid minimally invasive procedure for treatment of benign ureteral strictures. In some cases with chronic inflammation or after repeated endoscopic ureteral surgery, it is difficult to identify the location of a ureteral stricture. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of 48-year-old man with an impacted stone after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Although transurethral lithotripsy (TUL) was performed, the ureteral stricture did not improve by subsequent endoscopic ureteral Holmium laser incision and balloon dilation. DISCUSSION: To simultaneously identify the exact location of the constriction, we performed retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy with intraoperative observations via super-slim flexible fiberoptic ureteroscopy retrograde. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate identification of the ureteral stricture via observation by laparoscopy and observation by ureteroscopy was feasible. In contrast to the use of a rigid ureteroscopy, flexible fiberoptic ureteroscopy did not require placing the patient in an unnatural position.

Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in an Incompletely Duplicated Collecting System in a Patient with a Horseshoe Kidney.

We present a case of UPJO associated with an incompletely duplicated collecting system in a horseshoe kidney that was successfully treated by laparoscopic pyeloplasty with concomitant pyelolithotomy. A 53-year-old man had three urological anomalies and urolithiasis. We performed a pyeloplasty and pyelolithotomy using a fully intracorporeal technique. Clinical and radiographic evaluation confirmed complete resolution of the patient's condition. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of UPJO in an incompletely duplicated collecting system with a horseshoe kidney in the same patient. We also provide convincing evidence that laparoscopic pyeloplasty is feasible in complex cases of renal anatomic anomalies.

[Criteria for general practitioners to assess treatment efficacy for urination problems of the elderly].

Criteria for general practitioners to assess treatment efficacy are needed to efficiently treat urination problems in the elderly. Recently, criteria have been developed for urologists to assess the efficacy of benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment using the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), QoL index and maximal flow rates. We examined whether these criteria can be applied to the general urination problems of the elderly men and women, with 85 male and 16 female subjects aged 50 and over. Furthermore, we set Level I criteria using the I-PSS and QoL indices. Level II criteria using I-PSS, QoL index and post-void residual urine in addition to Level III criteria using I-PSS, QoL index and maximal urine flow rate. Correspondence rates among assessments by these criteria of treatment efficacy were investigated. Ninety-nine of 101 patients (98.0%) were assessed properly using the Level III criteria but the efficacy graded as "fair" and "unchanged" in Level III in each patient should be "poor" and "fair" in reality. Our findings suggest that Level III criteria should be useful for assessing the treatment efficacy of urination problems of elderly men and women besides benign prostatic hyperplasia. All of the patients, whose treatment efficacy was graded as "excellent" or "good", and those with efficacy graded as "unchanged" or "poor", according to the Level I criteria, were appropriately assessed by the Level III criteria. Of 35 patients whose treatment efficacy was graded as "fair" at Level I, the efficacy of 6 patients was graded as "unchanged" according to Level III. All of the patients, whose treatment efficacy was graded as "excellent" or "good", and those with efficacy graded as "poor", according to the Level II, were also appropriately assessed by the Level III criteria. However, the efficacy of 11 and 4 patients of 38 and 35 patients, respectively, whose efficacy was graded as "fair" and "unchanged" at Level II, was graded as "unchanged" and "fair" according to Level III, respectively. We believe that simple criteria including only I-PSS and QoL index are useful for general practitioners to assess treatment efficacy of urination problems in the elderly. It is suggested that patients with efficacy graded as "unchanged", or "poor" should be referred to a urologist but those with efficacy graded as "excellent", "good" and "fair" should be treated continuously. However, 17% of the patients with efficacy graded as "fair" by Level I criteria might be judged "unchanged" from the viewpoint of urologists.

[Initial assessment criteria for urination problems of the elderly--comparison of criteria for patients/caregivers/nurses, general practitioners, and urologists].

As the population ages rapidly, we need to establish a cost-effective system to assess and treat urination problems of the elderly. Recently, criteria have been developed for urologists to assess benign prostatic hyperplasia using the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), QoL index, urination function (maximal flow rates and residual urine volume) and prostate volume. It is suggested that patients with moderate to severe urination problems as measured by these criteria need to be treated but those with mild problems have no need for treatment. We examined whether these criteria can be applied to the general urination problems of elderly men and women, with 112 men and 21 women aged 50 and over as subjects. Furthermore, we set Level I criteria for the elderly themselves, their families or nurses taking care of them, using I-PSS and QoL index, and Level II criteria for general practitioners, using I-PSS, QoL index and residual urine volume, in addition to Level III criteria for urologists (omitting prostate volume in women). Correspondence rates among severities of urination problems at Level I, II and III, and sensitivities and specificities of Level I and II criteria were investigated. One hundred twenty-one patients of 124 with moderate to severe urination problems at Level III needed to be treated and eight of nine with mild urination problems did not. As a whole, our findings suggested that 129 of 133 patients (97.0%) were correctly assessed at Level III. We found that Level III criteria were valid for general urination problems of the elderly, not just benign prostatic hyperplasia. While 102 and 111 patients were judged as having moderate or severe urination problems, respectively, at Level I and Level II, and all of these were diagnosed as having moderate or severe problems at Level III, 22 (71.0%) of 31 and 13 (59.1%) of 22 patients judged as having mild urination problems at Level I and Level II were diagnosed as having moderate problems at Level III. Although specificities of Level I and Level II criteria were 100%, sensitivities improved from 82.3% (102/124) to 89.5% (111/124), adding residual urine measurement to the I-PSS and QoL scores. Polyuria of more than 2,000 ml per day was noted in 33 patients (24.8%). At Level I, residual urine of 50 ml or more was noted in 9 (29.0%) patients with mild urination problems, in 22 (24.2%) with moderate problems and in 4 (36.4%) with severe problems. Assessment criteria for general practitioners should include a frequency-volume chart and measurement of residual urine. When the elderly are judged as having moderate or severe urination problems according to either Level I or II criteria, they need treatment. However, more than half of the elderly, judged as having mild problems according to those criteria, need treatment from the standpoint of urologists.

Phase I/II study of intraoperative radiotherapy for early breast cancer in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is under evaluation in breast-conserving surgery. We have begun our study with the first step being a phase I-II study. This study was designed to identify the recommended dose and to test the feasibility of and tolerance to IORT in Japanese patients (UMIN000000918). METHODS: A phase I study was designed using a scheme of dose escalation from 19 to 20 to 21 Gy. We designed the phase II study to use the recommended dose. The primary endpoint was early toxicity. Secondary endpoints were efficacy for a long period and late toxicity. Inclusion criteria included the following: (1) T < 2.5 cm, (2) age >50 years, (3) surgical margin >1 cm, (4) intraoperative pathologically free margins, and (5) sentinel node negative. Partial resection was performed with at least a 1 cm margin around the tumor. Radiation was delivered directly to the mammary gland with the use of a Mobetron(®). The toxicity was evaluated with the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v3.0. RESULTS: Nine patients were enrolled for the phase I study. All patients tolerated and we therefore recommend 21 Gy. The following 23 patients were enrolled in a phase II study and received 21 Gy. After a median follow-up of 26.0 months, their toxicities within 3 months included deep connective tissue fibrosis (G1 23/26, G2 2/26), hematoma (G1 9/26), infection in the musculoskeletal soft tissue (G1 4/26), and soft tissue necrosis (G2 3/26). There have been no local recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: The first group of Japanese female patients treated with IORT showed very good tolerability in the phase I/II study.

Characteristics of aggressive variants in T1a renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To explore factors associated with metastasis and prognosis in T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 451 cases of sporadic T1aRCC among 1,060 patients admitted to the Department of Urology at Hamamatsu University Hospital and affiliated hospitals between 1978 and 2007. Clinicopathological factors were analyzed for metastatic and prognostic risks. RESULTS: We identified 32 RCC patients with metastatic disease, 22 with synchronous and 10 with metachronous metastatic RCC. Patients with metastatic disease had a significantly higher incidence of symptomatic cancer, as well as greater tumor size, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, sarcomatoid component ratio, histological grade 3 and microvascular invasion than those without metastasis. Among the 32 patients with metastasis, there is no significant difference in clinicopathological factors. The most common site of metastasis was bone. Among patients with metastatic T1aRCC, findings at diagnosis of a symptomatic cancer, CRP level of 0.4 mg/dL or more, tumor size of 3.0 cm or greater, histological grade 3, a sarcomatoid component and microvascular invasion appeared to be significant and independent risk factors. Significant independent risk factors with metachronous metastatic RCC were a symptomatic cancer and a sarcomatoid component at diagnosis. A CRP level of 0.4 mg/dL or more was also an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. CONCLUSION: RCC patients with findings at diagnosis of a symptomatic cancer, a sarcomatoid component and CRP level of 0.4 mg/dL or more require intensive follow-up.

The use of autologous fibrin glue for the treatment of postoperative fecal fistula following an appendectomy: report of a case.

We herein report a case of postoperative fecal fistula following an appendectomy which was successfully treated by the use of autologous fibrin glue. An 82-year-old man had acute appendicitis and underwent an appendectomy. Later, a fecal fistula developed and he underwent drainage treatment twice. After 4 weeks of drainage and during the third recurrence, the remaining fistula was successfully treated using autologous fibrin glue, instead of surgery, due to potential complications and the risks of associated with advanced age. No recurrence has been observed for 5 months. In conclusion, autologous fibrin gluing for fecal fistula was found to be a safe, economical, and effective treatment. A search of Medline from 1980 until 2002 revealed no other report of this treatment for postoperative fecal fistula following an appendectomy.