Immunohistochemical evaluation of E-cadherin in oral epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma.

Aim: To evaluate the expression of E-cadherin (E-cad) in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Material and Method: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect E-cad expression in 20 cases each of normal oral mucosa, oral epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. Statistical Analysis Used: Inferential statistical methods for statistical analysis used were Chi-square test for comparison of the frequency between different severity of dysplasia and OSCC. Results: Upon assessing the expression of E-cad in OED and OSCC, increase in E-cad immunoreactivity was seen in early lesions. However, the expression of E-cad decreased significantly as the grade of dysplasia increased. Conclusion: We observed a significant decrease in E-cad expression from dysplasia to poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma suggesting that loss of expression of E-cad is closely related to carcinoma.

Comparison of calretinin expression in dentigerous cysts and ameloblastoma: An immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Calretinin is a calcium-binding protein of 29-kilodalton (kDa), which is widely expressed in normal human tissues and tumorigenic tissues. Its expression in the odontogenic epithelium during odontogenesis and in neoplastic odontogenic tissues has been demonstrated. Unicystic ameloblastoma poses a diagnostic challenge, as its histologic presentation can be sometimes mistaken for cystic odontogenic lesions. In the present study, an attempt is made to overcome the confusion encountered in the diagnosis of dentigerous cyst and unicystic ameloblastoma, using the expression of calretinin in both lesions and to compare this expression with conventional ameloblastoma to accurately diagnose and differentiate these lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of eighty cases, in which twenty cases each of ameloblastoma, unicystic ameloblastoma, dentigerous cyst, and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) were included in the study. Slides were made from the archival blocks of each case and were stained immunohistochemically with calretinin. RESULTS: Correlation between calretinin staining and histopathological diagnosis was done, and it was found that all twenty cases of ameloblastoma showed positivity for calretinin, whereas 17 of twenty cases of unicystic ameloblastoma showed positivity for calretinin staining. All the cases of OKC and dentigerous cyst were negative for calretinin. CONCLUSION: Calretinin may serve as an important diagnostic adjunct in the differential diagnosis of ameloblastoma and cystic odontogenic lesions.

Prevalence and predictors of inappropriate anticoagulation in patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 and atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown underutilization of anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2; however there exists little data regarding the inappropriate use of anticoagulation in patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0. We aimed to determine the true prevalence and predictors of inappropriate anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with atrial fibrillation and a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 in our institution from January 2009 to January 2016. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the electronic medical record. We utilized multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine independent clinical predictors of inappropriate anticoagulation administration. RESULTS: 512 patients were identified with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 and a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Of the 137 patients prescribed anticoagulation, 64 patients were identified as inappropriately treated with anticoagulation therapy after assessing for other indications of warfarin or novel anticoagulant therapy. Independent variables associated with inappropriate anticoagulation administration were age (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.10), body mass index (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01-1.10), absence of current aspirin use (OR 13.50; 95% CI 6.00-30.54) and persistent atrial fibrillation (OR 2.34; 95% CI 1.11-4.94). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that 12% of patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 were inappropriately prescribed anticoagulant therapy. Independent predictors of unnecessary anticoagulation were age, body mass index, absence of current aspirin use and persistent atrial fibrillation.

Infected Dental Follicle Secondary to Mandibular Parasymphyseal Fracture: A Case Report.

Mandibular fractures are one of the most common maxillofacial traumatic injuries. They are also reported to be associated with highest rate of post-operative infection. In mixed dentition, management of tooth buds in line of fracture present great challenge to the surgeon. Timely management and non-invasive techniques can help in alleviating complications associated with fractures in children. Such cases should be kept on long-term follow-up for evaluation of proper growth and development. This case report documents a child having a history of previous mandibular fracture and extra-oral sinus tract associated with infected dental follicle.

Accelerated Implantable Defibrillator Battery Depletion Secondary to Lithium Cluster Formation: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Device failure from unanticipated and precipitous battery depletion is uncommon but can be life-threatening. Multiple mechanisms of battery failure have been previously described in the medical literature. METHODS: However, in this current case series, we describe the largest cohort of patients (n = 4) with St. Jude (St. Paul, MN, USA) early implantable defibrillator battery depletion attributable to lithium cluster formation causing short circuit and high current drain. CONCLUSION: Clinicians must be aware of this occult cause of device failure and more studies are needed to determine its true prevalence.

Verruciform xanthoma of oral cavity- a case report.

Verruciform xanthoma is an uncommon benign lesion of undetermined aetiology. It is a superficial normo-lipemic xanthoma, probably reflecting a multifactorial reactive and dystrophic process. Its clinical and pathological recognition and correct diagnosis is critical because it can occur in conjunction with other systemic and cutaneous inflammatory diseases; therefore, it necessitates further clinical assessment. We, hereby report a rare case of verruciform xanthoma in 46-year-old male patient with history of leukemia with emphasis on need of vigilant comprehensive analysis of clinicopathological and immunohistohemical finding to arrive at definitive diagnosis and for better understanding of pathogenesis.

Evaluation and management of emergencies in patients with mechanical circulatory support devices.

Mechanical circulatory support devices such as ventricular assist devices have become the approved and accepted treatment option to improve survival and quality of life in patients with advanced heart failure refractory to medical therapy. Patients as a result are living longer and presenting to emergency medical services, primary care facilities, emergency departments, and critical care units more frequently. Currently, health care providers have limited experience in managing this complex patient population. Thus, we created a standardized method of initial evaluation and algorithmic approach of management to help in the management of emergencies in this unique patient population. We present a comprehensive overview of the types of mechanical assist devices, their complications, and an algorithmic approach to the emergency management in the patients with mechanical circulatory support. A systematic method is crucial in prompt and early recognition of emergencies to ensure appropriate management of these patients.

Nutrition assessment in advanced heart failure patients evaluated for ventricular assist devices or cardiac transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition has been shown to affect clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of malnutrition and to assess its prognostic significance in patients with advanced heart failure (AHF) (being evaluated for left ventricular assist device [LVAD] or cardiac transplant) based on nutrition status as assessed by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 154 patients. During evaluation, a complete nutrition assessment was performed, and diagnosis of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition was done with the MNA. Its possible independent association with mortality was assessed. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the patients was 59.3 (14.1) years, with 76% men. Twenty-two percent were classified as malnourished, 68% at risk of malnutrition, and 10% well nourished. The mortality in the 3 groups was 26.5%, 42.0%, and 6.7%, respectively (P = .02). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the undernutrition state (malnourished + at risk) was an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio, 7.9; confidence interval, 1.01-62.30; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The state of undernutrition is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with AHF. Early recognition of undernutrition through use of the MNA may affect the long-term prognosis of these patients by enabling early intervention.

The development of aortic insufficiency in continuous-flow left ventricular assist device-supported patients.

BACKGROUND: Significant aortic insufficiency (AI) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement affects device performance and end-organ perfusion. This study examined the development and progression of AI after implantation of continuous-flow LVAD. METHODS: Seventy-nine patients undergoing Heart Mate II (Thoratec Corp, Pleasanton, CA) LVAD implantation for predominantly destination therapy (n = 69 [87%]) were examined. Preoperative and postoperative echocardiograms for all patients were reviewed at the intervals of 0 to 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12, 12 to 18, and 18 to 24 months. AI was graded on an interval scale of 0, none; 0.5, trivial; 1, mild; 1.5, mild to moderate; 2, moderate; 2.5, moderate to severe; and 3, severe. Development and progression of AI were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of significant AI (mild or greater) was 52% (n = 41). Median time to AI development was 187 days. The median duration of VAD support was 761 days. Mild AI developed in 41 patients (52%). No severe AI developed. In the Cox regression model (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]), aortic valve closure (2.51 [1.06 to 5.89]; p = 0.03), and age (1.04 [1.008 to 1.08]; p = 0.01) were independent predictors of AI development. There was no difference in mortality rates in the two groups (p = 0.40 by log-rank test). A mixed-model linear regression analysis showed a significant overall progression of AI over time (ß ± standard error, 0.06 ± 0.02; p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: AI develops over time in a significant number of Heart Mate II LVAD patients. AI is more common in patients with closed aortic valves and in the older age group. As more patients require long-term VAD support, the development of AI will need careful attention and monitoring.

Racial differences in patients with left ventricular assist devices.

We examined clinical outcomes based on ethnicity in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We hypothesized that treatment in a specialized, comprehensive heart failure program results in similar survival between African Americans and whites. We retrospectively reviewed patient data implanted with HeartMate II (HM-II) LVAD over 2 years. There were 79 patients: 34 (43%) whites, 33 (42%) African Americans, and 12 (15%) patients belonging to other ethnicities there was no difference in demographics. The etiology of cardiomyopathy was more commonly ischemic in white patients compared to nonischemic in African American patients (p = 0.01). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 22.21 ± 10.66% in African American patients and 15.21 ± 5.54% in white patients (p = 0.008). The left ventricular end-diastolic (p = 0.06) and end-systolic (p = 0.03) diameters were greater in white patients compared to African American patients. Hypertension was seen in 79% of African American patients compared to 56% in white patients (p = 0.07). Survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed an unadjusted survival advantage in African American patients (p = 0.04 by log-rank test), but this survival advantage was lost in multivariable Cox regression analysis after adjustment for other covariates. There was no difference in readmissions (p = 0.36). In patients with advanced heart failure undergoing HM-II LVAD implantation, African American patients had a similar survival and no difference in readmissions when compared with white patients despite significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics.

Are blood stream infections associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in patients with a left ventricular assist device?

Blood stream infections (BSIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and BSI after implantation of LVAD for advanced heart failure (HF). This was a retrospective descriptive review of 87 patients with end-stage HF, who underwent implantation of HeartMate II continuous-flow LVAD over a 4 year period. Blood stream infections were diagnosed by serial blood cultures, and suspected neurological complications including CVAs were confirmed by neuroimaging. Extensive patient chart review was performed, and descriptive characteristics were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The mean age of our study population was 62.3 ± 12.8 years, and the majority of our patients were males (n = 75, 86.2%). The baseline characteristics were comparable in the patients with and without CVAs. Patients with BSI had a much greater incidence of CVA compared to patients without BSI (n = 13, 43.3% vs. n = 5, 10.0%; p < 0.0001). There was an increased mortality in patients with BSI than those without (n = 57, 65.5% vs. n = 30, 34.5%; p = 0.003). The risk of all CVAs (hemorrhagic/ischemic) was eightfold (odds ratio [OR] = 7.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.4-25.5; p = 0.001] in patients with BSI. Patients with BSI had a >20-fold risk of hemorrhagic CVA (OR = 24; 95% CI = 2.8-201.1; p = 0.03). Advanced HF patients with LVAD support who developed BSI need urgent evaluation and close monitoring for suspected neurological complications, particularly hemorrhagic CVA.

Early cardiac allograft vasculopathy: are the viruses to blame?

This paper describes a case of early (7 months after transplant) cardiac allograft vasculopathy. This-43-year-old (CMV positive, EBV negative) female patient underwent an orthotopic heart transplant with a (CMV negative, EBV positive) donor heart. She had a history of herpes zoster infection and postherpetic neuralgia in the past. The patient's panel reactive antibodies had been almost undetectable on routine surveillance testing, and her surveillance endomyocardial biopsies apart from a few episodes of mild-to-moderate acute cellular rejection (treated adequately with steroids) never showed any evidence of humoral rejection. The postoperative course was complicated by multiple admissions for upper respiratory symptoms, and the patient tested positive for entero, rhino, and coronaviruses serologies. During her last admission (seven months postoperatively) the patient developed mild left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 40%. The patient's endomyocardial biopsy done at that time revealed concentric intimal proliferation and inflammation resulting in near-total luminal occlusion in the epicardial and the intramyocardial coronary vessels, suggestive of graft vasculopathy with no evidence of rejection, and the patient had a fatal ventricular arrhythmia.

Experience with noncardiac surgery in destination therapy left ventricular assist devices patients.

Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD) are increasing the life expectancy of patients with advanced heart failure, with these patients undergoing more noncardiac operations after implantation. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of noncardiac operations in destination therapy CF-LVAD patients. In a retrospective study of 110 CF-LVAD patients, we reviewed 36 patients who underwent 63 noncardiac operations 315.1 ± 333.5 days after LVAD placement. Fifty-four (84%) operations were elective and 10 were emergent. The mean age of the cohort was 61.4 ± 11.4 years, with the majority (81%) being men. Most patients (n = 24, 38%) underwent total abdominal operation. Of the 36 patients in the study, 23 (63.8%) patients required one surgical procedure, and 13(36.1%) patients underwent more than one procedure. Six critically ill patients (16%) of 37 expired within 30 days after emergent operation. Our study demonstrates overall good clinical outcomes with minimal intraoperative complications in LVAD patients undergoing noncardiac surgeries, except an increased propensity for intra- and postoperative transfusion of blood products because of complex coagulopathies.

Licorice-related rhabdomyolysis: a big price for a sweet tooth.

UNLABELLED: A 50-year-old lady on hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) presented to the hospital after 4 days of generalized muscle aches and dark urine. She admitted to consuming one and a half bags of black licorice bites containing 2% natural licorice during the past 3 weeks. Examination showed high blood pressure, while labs revealed elevated creatine kinase, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia with low aldosterone and plasma renin levels and high intact PTH. The active component of licorice is glycyrrhizic acid, which inhibits an enzyme required to convert cortisol to a less active metabolite, cortisone. This causes excess cortisol, simulating syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME), thus resulting in hypertension, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. In our patient, licorice induced hypokalemia resulted in rhabdomyolysis. The rhabdomyolysis along with the effect of licorice led to secondary hypocalcaemia, which in turn triggered secondary hyperparathyroidism. This might have had a phosphaturic effect that caused hypophosphatemia, further worsening rhabdomyolysis. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the complex relationship of various electrolytes, which can lead to self perpetuation of the disease, hence demanding more vigilance.

Incidence and management of gastrointestinal bleeding with continuous flow assist devices.

BACKGROUND: Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) have emerged as the standard of care for patients in advanced heart failure (HF) requiring long-term mechanical circulatory support. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding has been frequently reported within this population. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 101 patients implanted with the Heart Mate II from January 2005 to August 2011 was performed to identify incidence, etiology, and management of GI bleeding. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify related risk factors. RESULTS: A significant incidence of GI bleeding (22.8%) occurred in our predominantly destination therapy (DT) (93%) population. Fifty-seven percent of the patients with bleeding episodes bled from the upper GI (UGI) tract (with 54% bleeding from gastric erosions and 37% from ulcers/angiodysplasias), whereas 35% of patients bled from the lower GI (LGI) tract. Previous history of GI bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 22.7; 95% CI, 2.2-228.6; p=0.008), elevated international normalized ratio (INR) (OR, 3.9; CI, 1.2-12.9; p=0.02), and low platelet count (OR, -0.98; CI, 0.98 -0.99; p=0.001) were independent predictors of GI hemorrhage. Recurrent bleeding was more common in older patients (mean, 70 years; p=0.01). The majority of bleeders (60%) rebled from the same site. Management strategies included temporarily withholding anticoagulation, decreasing the speed of LVADs, and using octreotide. Octreotide did not impact the amount of packed red blood cells used, rebleeding rates, length of hospital stay, or all-cause mortality. Only 1 patient died as a direct consequence of GI bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple factors account for GI bleeding in patients on CF-VADs. A previous history of bleeding increases risk significantly and warrants careful monitoring.

Correlation of noninvasive markers of cardiac allograft rejection with endomyocardial biopsy: a case report.

Although endomyocardial biopsy remains the gold standard to diagnose cardiac allograft rejection, the search continues for clinical parameters that may aid in the early diagnosis of rejection. We report the case of a 29-year-old man who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation and subsequently had multifocal moderate allograft rejection. During the patient's hospital course, he exhibited a number of clinical parameters that served as important clues for the worsening rejection. After aggressive immunosuppression, the improvement of these markers hinted toward his eventual recovery.

How effective are continuous flow left ventricular assist devices in lowering high pulmonary artery pressures in heart transplant candidates?

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is considered a risk factor for morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing heart transplantation. Medical therapy with oral and pharmacologic agents is not always effective in reducing pulmonary artery (PA) pressures. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been used to reduce PA pressures in cases of PH unresponsive to medical therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Our study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of axial- and centrifugal- continuous flow LVADs in reversing PH in heart transplant candidates. Hemodynamics were assessed pre- and post-operatively in nine patients undergoing HeartMate II and six patients undergoing HeartWare continuous flow LVADs. Mean PA pressures were reduced from 31.9 ± 10.6 mm Hg to 22.1 ± 6.6 mm Hg (p = 0.001), and pulmonary vascular resistance was reduced from 3.08 ± 1.6 mm Hg to 1.8 ± 1.0 mm Hg (p = 0.007). This improvement was seen within seven days of LVAD implantation. Three of 15 patients were successfully transplanted, with 100% survival at an average of 199 days post-transplant. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that both axial- and centrifugal-continuous flow LVADs are effective in immediately lowering PA pressures in heart transplant candidates with PH.

Juvenile ossifying fibroma: Psammamatoid variant.

Juvenile ossifying fibroma is a rare fibro-osseous lesion containing variable amount of calcified masses, which resembles bone or cementum within a fibrocellular connective tissue stroma. It has variable clinical behavior, highly aggressive in nature including invasion and destruction of adjacent anatomic structures with a strong tendency to recur. We reported a 28-year-old female patient with a growth in the upper left vestibule region extending from canine to molar region with clinical, histopathological, and radiological features are presented. Surgical management was done, and regular follow-up was advised.