Theileria orientalis Buffeli pathotype in cows in a theileriosis-endemic region of India.

Oriental theileriosis caused by Theileria orientalis is a growing health concern of lactating cows in its endemic areas. Rapid and sensitive diagnostic tests are demand areas for appropriate and effective prophylactic and therapeutic measures. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the answer for both detection and quantification of parasites. Present study deals with qPCR for detection of parasitemia level of T. orientalis in apparently healthy and clinically affected cows. Major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene present in T. orientalis was cloned in pUC57 vector and transformed into E. coli Top 10 cells. Single and mixed infections of hemoprotozoa other than T. orientalis, causing anemia were differentiated through blood smear examination and PCR tests. T. orientalis was detected in 108 (63.15%) ill and 48 (26.66%) healthy cows. Piroplasms detected per 1000 red blood cells (RBCs) was 0-1 in the healthy group as compared to 3-22 in those showing clinical signs. Parasitemia in ill cows ranged between 6.9 × 102 and 4.5 × 103 parasites / µl of blood which was significantly higher (p<0.05) than healthy group (2.6 × 102 - 5.7 × 102 parasites / µl of blood). Phylogenetic study of the isolates showed similarity with Buffeli type that unfolded its pathogenic form in apparently healthy and ill cows.

Theileria orientalis Buffeli pathotype in cows in a theileriosis-endemic region of India

@#Oriental theileriosis caused by Theileria orientalis is a growing health concern of lactating cows in its endemic areas. Rapid and sensitive diagnostic tests are demand areas for appropriate and effective prophylactic and therapeutic measures. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the answer for both detection and quantification of parasites. Present study deals with qPCR for detection of parasitemia level of T. orientalis in apparently healthy and clinically affected cows. Major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene present in T. orientalis was cloned in pUC57 vector and transformed into E. coli Top 10 cells. Single and mixed infections of hemoprotozoa other than T. orientalis, causing anemia were differentiated through blood smear examination and PCR tests. T. orientalis was detected in 108 (63.15%) ill and 48 (26.66%) healthy cows. Piroplasms detected per 1000 red blood cells (RBCs) was 0-1 in the healthy group as compared to 3-22 in those showing clinical signs. Parasitemia in ill cows ranged between 6.9 × 102 and 4.5 × 103 parasites / µl of blood which was significantly higher (p<0.05) than healthy group (2.6 × 102 - 5.7 × 102 parasites / µl of blood). Phylogenetic study of the isolates showed similarity with Buffeli type that unfolded its pathogenic form in apparently healthy and ill cows.

Factors influencing the release of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) during thermal processing of electronic waste.

The release of potentially toxic elements as airborne fine particulates is a significant environmental risk associated with recycling e-waste. Some of these may redeposit near emission sites or be transported over long distances causing wide-spread pollution. With an aim to identify key factors affecting particulate emissions, we report novel investigations on the adsorptive capture of particulate matter (PM) released during low temperature pyrolysis (600 °C; 15 min) of waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). A significant proportion of the released particulates (5.3 to 37%) were captured by adsorbents located downstream and in close proximity to the emitting source. Data was collected for four different PCBs and three adsorbents: alumina, silica-gel and activated carbon. With sizes ranging from nanoparticles to over 10 µm, adsorbed particulates were present as fines, spheres, oblongs, clusters and larger particles with no specific shape. Of the 24 elements identified initially in waste PCBs, only 14 were detected in released particulates: major PTEs- Zn, Sn, Pb and Cu (up to 400 ppm); minor PTEs- Ni, Mn, Cd, Cr and Ba (up to 10 ppm); trace PTEs- Co, In, Bi, Be and Sb (up to 1 ppm). Key factors influencing the release of PTEs during thermal processing were identified as basic elemental characteristics, densities, melting points, vapor pressures, initial concentrations, local bonding and mechanical strength. These results show that the presence of low melting point/high vapour pressure elements (Zn, Pb, Sn) should be minimised for a significant reduction in PTE emissions during e-waste processing.

Comparative therapeutic efficacy of levofloxacin, ornidazole and alpha tocopherol combination with prostaglandin F2α on IL-6 and IL-10 transcript level in longstanding cases of endometritis in crossbreed Jersey cows.

This study compared the therapeutic efficacy of levofloxacin, ornidazole and alpha tocopherol combination and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in longstanding cases of endometritis and evaluated their impact on Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) transcript level in peripheral blood leukocytes. Eighteen endometritic crossbred Jersey cows were randomly allotted to three groups (six in each) viz. Group I (levofloxacin combo treatment I/U), group II (PGF2α treatment I/M), group III (no treatment, control), and group IV (six non-endometritic healthy cyclic) was taken for comparison study. The clinical efficacy was assessed by haematological study (TLC: Total leukocyte count; DC: Differential count), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) count in uterine cytology and relative mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-10 in peripheral blood leukocytes before and after treatment with respect to conception rate following single and second inseminations. Group I and II registered significant increase in TLC and neutrophil count. PMN cytology was increased two and three fold in group I and II, respectively. The IL-6 transcript level was increased by 2.5 and 4.6 fold while that of IL-10 increased by 3.7 and 5.2 fold in group I and II, respectively. Conception rate across group I to IV following single insemination was found to be 66.67%, 50%, 16.67%, and 83.33% and their corresponding values following second insemination were 66.67%, 83.33%, 16.67%, and 83.33%, respectively. Thus, the administration of levofloxacin combo and PGF2α might have better conception rate following first and second insemination, respectively. Our study also reveals that PGF2α could register better clearance of bacteria through stronger PMN cell and cytokine activity in post-treatment period.

Spatio-Temporal Variation of Particulate Matter(PM2.5) Concentrations and Its Health Impacts in a Mega City, Delhi in India.

Rising concentration of air pollution and its associated health effects is rapidly increasing in India, and Delhi, being the capital city, has drawn our attention in recent years. This study was designed to analyze the spatial and temporal variations of particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in a mega city, Delhi. The daily PM2.5 concentrations monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), New Delhi during November 2016 to October 2017 in different locations distributed in the region of the study were used for the analysis. The descriptive statistics indicate that the spatial mean of monthly average PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 45.92 µg m-3 to 278.77 µg m-3. The maximum and minimum spatial variance observed in the months of March and September, respectively. The study also analyzed the PM2.5 air quality index (PM2.5-Air Quality Index (AQI)) for assessing the health impacts in the study area. The AQI value was determined according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) system. The result suggests that most of the area had the moderate to very unhealthy category of PM2.5-AQI and that leads to severe breathing discomfort for people residing in the area. It was observed that the air quality level was worst during winter months (October to January).

Combined PET/MRI: Global Warming-Summary Report of the 6th International Workshop on PET/MRI, March 27-29, 2017, Tübingen, Germany.

The 6th annual meeting to address key issues in positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was held again in Tübingen, Germany, from March 27 to 29, 2017. Over three days of invited plenary lectures, round table discussions and dialogue board deliberations, participants critically assessed the current state of PET/MRI, both clinically and as a research tool, and attempted to chart future directions. The meeting addressed the use of PET/MRI and workflows in oncology, neurosciences, infection, inflammation and chronic pain syndromes, as well as deeper discussions about how best to characterise the tumour microenvironment, optimise the complementary information available from PET and MRI, and how advanced data mining and bioinformatics, as well as information from liquid biomarkers (circulating tumour cells and nucleic acids) and pathology, can be integrated to give a more complete characterisation of disease phenotype. Some issues that have dominated previous meetings, such as the accuracy of MR-based attenuation correction (AC) of the PET scan, were finally put to rest as having been adequately addressed for the majority of clinical situations. Likewise, the ability to standardise PET systems for use in multicentre trials was confirmed, thus removing a perceived barrier to larger clinical imaging trials. The meeting openly questioned whether PET/MRI should, in all cases, be used as a whole-body imaging modality or whether in many circumstances it would best be employed to give an in-depth study of previously identified disease in a single organ or region. The meeting concluded that there is still much work to be done in the integration of data from different fields and in developing a common language for all stakeholders involved. In addition, the participants advocated joint training and education for individuals who engage in routine PET/MRI. It was agreed that PET/MRI can enhance our understanding of normal and disrupted biology, and we are in a position to describe the in vivo nature of disease processes, metabolism, evolution of cancer and the monitoring of response to pharmacological interventions and therapies. As such, PET/MRI is a key to advancing medicine and patient care.

Epileptiform abnormalities predict delayed cerebral ischemia in subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether abnormal neural activity, in the form of epileptiform discharges and rhythmic or periodic activity, which we term here ictal-interictal continuum abnormalities (IICAs), are associated with delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) reports and medical records from 124 patients with moderate to severe grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We identified daily occurrence of seizures and IICAs. Using survival analysis methods, we estimated the cumulative probability of IICA onset time for patients with and without delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). RESULTS: Our data suggest the presence of IICAs indeed increases the risk of developing DCI, especially when they begin several days after the onset of SAH. We found that all IICA types except generalized rhythmic delta activity occur more commonly in patients who develop DCI. In particular, IICAs that begin later in hospitalization correlate with increased risk of DCI. CONCLUSIONS: IICAs represent a new marker for identifying early patients at increased risk for DCI. Moreover, IICAs might contribute mechanistically to DCI and therefore represent a new potential target for intervention to prevent secondary cerebral injury following SAH. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings imply that IICAs may be a novel marker for predicting those at higher risk for DCI development.

Certain hormonal profiles of postpartum anestrus jersey crossbred cows treated with controlled internal drug release and ovsynch protocol.

AIM: The study was conducted to determine the serum levels of certain hormones in post-partum anestrus cows following treatment with controlled internal drug release (CIDR) and Ovsynch protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 postpartum anestrus cows were divided into three equal groups after thorough gynecoclinical examination. The Group 1 animals received an intravaginal progesterone device on day 0 and 2 ml of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on day of CIDR removal (7th day), Group 2 cows were treated with ovsynch protocol (gonadotropin-releasing hormone [GnRH]-PGF2α-GnRH) on day 0, 7 and 9, respectively, and Group 3 cows were supplemented with mineral mixture and treated as control. The serum estrogen, progesterone, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine concentration were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit and absorbance was read at 450 nm with Perkin Elmer Wallac 1420 Microplate Reader. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in progesterone level in Group 1 after withdrawal of CIDR as compared to other two groups. However, the estrogen assay revealed a greater concentration in Group 2 against Group 1 on day 7 of sampling. However, there was no significant difference for serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) irrespective of treatment protocols and days of sampling. CONCLUSION: Treatment with CIDR based progesterone therapy and drug combinations may affect the reproductive hormonal balance like estrogen and progesterone, which is inevitable for successful return to cyclicity and subsequent fertilization and conception. However, as far as serum T3 and T4 concentration concerned it may not give an astounding result.

Indirect imaging of cardiac-specific transgene expression using a bidirectional two-step transcriptional amplification strategy.

Transcriptional targeting for cardiac gene therapy is limited by the relatively weak activity of most cardiac-specific promoters. We have developed a bidirectional plasmid vector, which uses a two-step transcriptional amplification (TSTA) strategy to enhance the expression of two optical reporter genes, firefly luciferase (fluc) and Renilla luciferase (hrluc), driven by the cardiac troponin T (cTnT) promoter. The vector was characterized in vitro and in living mice using luminometry and bioluminescence imaging to assess its ability to mediate strong, correlated reporter gene expression in a cardiac cell line and the myocardium, while minimizing expression in non-cardiac cell lines and the liver. In vitro, the TSTA system significantly enhanced cTnT-mediated reporter gene expression with moderate preservation of cardiac specificity. After intramyocardial and hydrodynamic tail vein delivery of an hrluc-enhanced variant of the vector, long-term fluc expression was observed in the heart, but not in the liver. In both the cardiac cell line and the myocardium, fluc expression correlated well with hrluc expression. These results show the vector's ability to effectively amplify and couple transgene expression in a cardiac-specific manner. Further replacement of either reporter gene with a therapeutic gene should allow non-invasive imaging of targeted gene therapy in living subjects.

Formulation of sustained-release dosage form of verapamil hydrochloride by solid dispersion technique using Eudragit RLPO or Kollidon SR.

The release of verapamil hydrochloride from tablets with Eudragit RLPO or Kollidon SR with different drug-to-polymer ratios were investigated with a view to develop twice-daily sustained-release dosage form by solid dispersion (SD) technique. The SDs containing Eudragit RLPO or Kollidon SR at drug-polymer ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 with verapamil hydrochloride were developed using solvent evaporation technique. The physical mixtures of drug and both polymers were prepared by using simple mixing technique at the same ratio as solid dispersion. The physicochemical properties of solid dispersion were evaluated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The study of DSC, XRD, and FTIR could not show significant interaction between verapamil HCl and Kollidon SR or Eudragit RLPO. The solid dispersions or physical mixtures were compressed to tablets. The tablets were prepared with solid dispersions containing Eudragit RLPO or Kollidon SR, with all the official requirements of tablet dosage forms fulfilled. Tablets prepared were evaluated for the release of verapamil hydrochloride over a period of 12 h in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer using US Pharmacopoeia type II dissolution apparatus. The in vitro drug release study revealed that the tablet containing Eudragit has extended the release rate for 12 h whereas the tablet containing Kollidon SR at the same concentration has extended the release rate up to 8 h. The in vitro release profile and the mathematical models indicate that release of verapamil hydrochloride can be effectively controlled from a tablet containing solid dispersions of Eudragit RLPO. The reduction of size fraction of the SD system from 200-250 to 75-125 microm had a great effect on the drug release.

Analysis of bone mineral density and bone turnover in the presence of polymethylmethacrylate particles.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles generated from joint arthroplasties appear to contribute to aseptic implant loosening through inflammation-induced periprosthetic osteolysis. However, osteolysis appears to be multifactorial; whether a direct link exists between PMMA particles and osteolysis in vivo is unproven. With the aim to define the relationship between PMMA particles and osteolysis, the authors analyzed the bone mineral density, using microCT scans preoperatively, the first day postoperatively and then every 7-10 days for 32 days, and bone turnover, using (18)F-fluoride positron emission tomography scanner (PET scan) at 8 weeks in four groups of mice that had undergone intramedullary femoral injection. The experimental group of five mice was injected with PMMA particles, and compared with two negative control groups (no injection and injection with the carrier, phosphate-buffered saline) and one positive control group (injection of PMMA particles contaminated with endotoxin). There was no significant change in bone mineral density with addition of PMMA particles, and no evidence of osteolysis. However, bone turnover was increased in the presence of PMMA particles. Even though a direct link between PMMA particles and osteolysis was not found in the short term, PMMA particles appear to influence the regenerative capacity of bone.

Nrf2-regulated glutathione recycling independent of biosynthesis is critical for cell survival during oxidative stress.

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the primary transcription factor protecting cells from oxidative stress by regulating cytoprotective genes, including the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) pathway. GSH maintains cellular redox status and affects redox signaling, cell proliferation, and death. GSH homeostasis is regulated by de novo synthesis as well as GSH redox state; previous studies have demonstrated that Nrf2 regulates GSH homeostasis by affecting de novo synthesis. We report that Nrf2 modulates the GSH redox state by regulating glutathione reductase (GSR). In response to oxidants, lungs and embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from Nrf2-deficient (Nrf2(-/-)) mice showed lower levels of GSR mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity relative to wild type (Nrf2(+/+)). Nrf2(-/-) MEFs exhibited greater accumulation of glutathione disulfide and cytotoxicity compared to Nrf2(+/+) MEFs in response to t-butylhydroquinone, which was rescued by restoring GSR. Microinjection of glutathione disulfide induced greater apoptosis in Nrf2(-/-) MEFs compared to Nrf2(+/+) MEFs. In silico promoter analysis of the GSR gene revealed three putative antioxidant-response elements (ARE1, -44; ARE2, -813; ARE3, -1041). Reporter analysis, site-directed mutagenesis, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated binding of Nrf2 to two AREs distal to the transcription start site. Overall, Nrf2 is critical for maintaining the GSH redox state via transcriptional regulation of GSR and protecting cells against oxidative stress.

Dibenzoylmethane activates Nrf2-dependent detoxification pathway and inhibits benzo(a)pyrene induced DNA adducts in lungs.

Cigarette smoke derived carcinogens have been identified as the main agents implicated in lung carcinogenesis. Epidemiological as well as animal studies have indicated that certain phytochemicals can block the carcinogenic process by enhancing the detoxification of environmental and or dietary carcinogens. Dibenzoylmethane (DBM), a minor constituent of licorice, is a beta-ketone analog of curcumin, a promising chemopreventive agent for colon, breast and skin cancer. The present study was designed to examine the chemopreventive efficacy of DBM in lungs, its global molecular targets and the mechanism of its action. Feeding DBM to A/J mice significantly inhibited benzo[a]pyrene induced DNA adducts in lungs. Further analysis of its global molecular targets in lungs by oligonucleotide microarray revealed expression of several cytoprotective genes including phase II enzymes that are regulated by Nrf2, a basic leucine zipper transcription factor. To decipher if DBM mediates its function via Nrf2 activation, Nrf2 dependent reporter assays were performed. DBM elicited a dose-dependent increase in antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven luciferase reporter activity which correlated with an increase in mRNA expression of NQO1, GSTA2, and GCLC in mouse hepatoma cells, which are well established targets of Nrf2. Conversely, DBM stimulated ARE reporter activity was attenuated by a dominant-negative mutant of Nrf2. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay confirmed that DBM greatly increased the DNA binding activity of Nrf2. In conclusion, DBM mediates the induction of phase II enzymes by Nrf2 activation and inhibits benzo[a]pyrene induced DNA adducts by enhancing its detoxification in lungs.

Comparative study of propranolol hydrochloride release from matrix tablets with KollidonSR or hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose.

The release of propranolol hydrochloride from matrix tablets with hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K15M) or KollidonSR at different concentrations was investigated with a view to developing twice daily sustained release dosage form. A hydrophilic matrix-based tablet using different concentrations of HPMC K15M or KollidonSR was developed using direct compression technique to contain 80 mg of propranolol hydrochloride. The resulting matrix tablets prepared with HPMC K15M or KollidonSR fulfilled all the official requirements of tablet dosage forms. Formulations were evaluated for the release of propranolol hydrochloride over a period of 12 h in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer using USP type II dissolution apparatus. Propranolol hydrochloride and pure KollidonSR or HPMC K15M compatibility interactions was investigated by using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). FTIR spectroscopic and DSC studies revealed that there was no well defined chemical interaction between propranolol hydrochloride with KollidonSR or HPMC K15M. Tablets were exposed to 40 degrees C/75% of RH in open disc for stability. The in vitro drug release study revealed that HPMC K15 at a concentration of 40% of the dosage form weight was able to control the release of propranolol hydrochloride for 12 h, exhibit non-Fickian diffusion with first-order release kinetics where as at 40% KollidonSR same dosage forms show zero-order release kinetics. In conclusion, the in vitro release profile and the mathematical models indicate that release of propranolol hydrochloride can be effectively controlled from a single tablet using HPMC K15M or KollidonSR matrix system.

Enhancement of dissolution rate of gliclazide using solid dispersions with polyethylene glycol 6000.

The aim of the present study was to enhance the dissolution rate of gliclazide using its solid dispersions (SDs) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000. The phase solubility behavior of gliclazide in presence of various concentrations of PEG 6000 in 0.1 N HCl was obtained at 37 degrees C. The solubility of gliclazide increased with increasing amount of PEG 6000 in water. Gibbs free energy (deltaG(o)(tr)) values were all negative, indicating the spontaneous nature of gliclazide solubilization and they decreased with increase in the PEG 6000 concentration, demonstrating that the reaction conditions became more favorable as the concentration of PEG 6000 increased. The SDs of gliclazide with PEG 6000 were prepared at 1:1, 1:2 and 1:5 (gliclazide/PEG 6000) ratio by melting-solvent method and solvent evaporation method. Evaluation of the properties of the SDs was performed by using dissolution, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The SDs of gliclazide with PEG 6000 exhibited enhanced dissolution rate of gliclazide, and the rate increased with increasing concentration of PEG 6000 in SDs. Mean dissolution time (MDT)of gliclazide decreased significantly after preparation of SDs and physical mixture with PEG 6000. The FTIR spectroscopic studies showed the stability of gliclazide and absence of well-defined gliclazide-PEG 6000 interaction. The DSC and XRD studies indicated the microcrystalline or amorphous state of gliclazide in SDs of gliclazide with PEG 6000.

Role of reactive oxygen species in modulation of Nrf2 following ischemic reperfusion injury.

The transcriptional factor Nrf2 has a unique role in various physiological stress conditions, but its contribution to ischemia/reperfusion injury has not been fully explored. Therefore, wildtype (WT) and Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2(-/-)) mice were subjected to 90-min occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) followed by 24-h reperfusion to elucidate Nrf2 contribution in protecting against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Infarct volume, represented as percent of hemispheric volume, was significantly (P<0.05) larger in Nrf2(-/-) mice than in WT mice (30.8+/-6.1 vs. 17.0+/-5.1%). Furthermore, neurological deficit was significantly greater in the Nrf2(-/-) mice. To examine whether neuronal protection was mediated by Nrf2, neurons were treated with various compounds to induce excitotoxic or oxidative stress. Translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus was increased by the free-radical donor tert-butylhydroperoxide, but not by glutamate or N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA). In addition, a common Nrf2 inducer, tert-butylhydroquinone, significantly attenuated neuronal cell death induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (83.6+/-1.6 vs. 62.0+/-7.7%) but not as substantially when excitotoxicity was induced by NMDA (91.9+/-1.6 vs. 79.3+/-3.3%) or glutamate (87.8+/-1.5 vs. 80.2+/-2.6%). The results suggest that Nrf2 reduces ischemic brain injury by protecting against oxidative stress.

Drug utilization pattern in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital.

The authors studied the factors affecting drug use pattern, cost of therapy, and the association between the pattern of drug use and survival as well as the duration of stay in a prospective, observational study in an intensive care unit between February and May 2005. Data were collected regarding drugs used, severity of the disease, and their outcome. The mean +/- SD of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE III) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of 84 patients were 52.2 +/- 19.4 and 7.5 +/- 2.4, respectively. Although the mean number of drugs at the time of admission to the intensive care unit was 5.3, it increased to 12.9 on the first day and 22.2 during the entire stay. More than 50% of the average expenditure on drugs and nutrition was accounted by antibiotics. Requirement of insulin or inotropes signified an adverse outcome on mortality (odds ratios of 3.43 and 8.44, respectively). In conclusion, there is a tremendous impact of antibiotic use on the cost of therapy in the intensive care unit. The requirement of certain drugs such as insulin and inotropes is of prognostic significance.

Diagnosis of aseptic deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremity in a cancer patient using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (FDG PET/CT).

We describe a patient with a history of recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and abnormal FDG uptake in the left arm during a re-staging FDG PET/CT. After revision of the patient's clinical history, tests and physical exam, the abnormal FDG uptake was found to correspond to an extensive aseptic deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremity.