Primitive peripheral neuroectodermal tumors Mayagüez Medical Center experience.

Primitive neuroectodermal or neuroepithelial tumors are names used to describe neoplasias composed of undifferentiated cells resembling germinal cells of the embryonic neural tube. These tumors are small round cell malignancies of the neural crest origin arising outside the central and sympathetic nervous system. They are described as peripheral and central neuroectodermal tumors related to the original malignant cell. A great number of tumors are described under this classification in spite of the fact that there is no an universal acceptance that these small-cell neoplasms, regardless of their primary site, are derived from immature neuroectoderm tissue. Because one tumor resembles others in terms of its phenotypic expression, multiple specific studies such as clinical profile, ultrastructural, immunocytochemical, and cytogenetic features should be studied, since no single clinical or laboratory marker is by itself diagnostic. However, there is a chromosomal reciprocal translocation, t(11;22)(q24;q12), which is unique to Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET).

Uretero-arterial fistula: a case report and review of the literature.

We report the case of a uretero-arterial fistula (UAF) formation in a 68 years old male who had previously undergone an Aortobifemoral graft. He got complicated with occlusion and infection of the right lower extremity requiring a right hip disarticulation for its management. This was followed by groin infection and graft protusion, managed by transabdominal resection of the right graft limb, at which time the right ureter was lacerated and repaired. Several months later, he presented with gross hematuria found to be secondary to UAF. The diagnostic and management steps leading to this patient care will be reviewed, together with a review of the literature pertinent to this case report.

Acute appendicitis: as a predisposing factor for acute glomerulonephritis--report of two cases.

This is a review of two children who developed acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) following acute gangrenous appendicitis (AGA) with periappendicular collections. The first patient presented with AGN during the course of appendicitis. The second patient developed AGN after appendectomy. Both patients did not have any other predisposing factors. AGN resolved in both patients after massive intravenous antibiotics. This is the first report of acute appendicitis as a predisposing factor for AGN.

Unusual case of Meckel's diverticulum: a case report and review of an atypical form of presentation.

This is a review of a child who developed symptomatic anemia secondary to a huge Meckel's Diverticulum (MD). The patient presented with multiple complications, such as: neoplasia, occult chronic bleeding, giant size MD, partial intestinal obstruction and severe symptomatic anemia. There was complete resolution of the condition after resection and ileo-ileal anastomosis. After revision of the literature, this case is the first report of MD occurring concomitantly with such a myriad of signs and symptoms.

Pediatric thyroid nodules: management in the era of fine needle aspiration.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Thyroid nodules are rare in children. The need to uncover malignancy is the most challenging dilemma in management. The aim of this report was to determine whether management of pediatric thyroid nodules has changed in the era of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. METHODS: Twenty-four children with thyroid nodules comprised the study group. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, imaging results, FNA cytology results, surgical therapy, complications, and pathological reports were reviewed retrospectively. FNA cytology results were categorized as either benign, malignant, suspicious, or insufficient. RESULTS: Girls outnumbered boys (five to one) with a mean age of 14.9 years. Nineteen nodules were benign and five malignant. Malignancy was characterized by localized tenderness, multiglandular appearance, and fixation to adjacent tissues. Ultrasound scans and nuclear scans gave no clue toward management because cystic, hot, and warm nodules figured among malignant cases. FNA in 18 children achieved 80% accuracy, 60% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 75% positive, and 81% negative predictive value. Physical examination findings, persistence of the nodule, and progressive growth decided for surgery in most children. CONCLUSIONS: FNA is a safe adjunctive test that plays a minor role in the decision to withhold surgery. Its greatest strength is to resolve, in case of suspicious or malignant cytology, that a more radical procedure will be needed. Clinical judgement as determined by serial physical findings continues to be the most important factor in the management of thyroid nodules in children.

Uretero-arterial fistula: a case report and review of the literature

We report the case of a uretero-arterial fistula (UAF) formation in a 68 years old male who had previously undergone an Aortobifemoral graft. He got complicated with occlusion and infection of the right lower extremity requiring a right hip disarticulation for its management. This was followed by groin infection and graft protusion, managed by transabdominal resection of the right graft limb, at which time the right ureter was lacerated and repaired. Several months later, he presented with gross hematuria found to be secondary to UAF. The diagnostic and management steps leading to this patient care will be reviewed, together with a review of the literature pertinent to this case report

Primitive peripheral neuroectodermal tumors Mayagüez Medical Center experience

Primitive neuroectodermal or neuroepithelial tumors are names used to describe neoplasias composed of undifferentiated cells resembling germinal cells of the embryonic neural tube. These tumors are small round cell malignancies of the neural crest origin arising outside the central and sympathetic nervous system. They are described as peripheral and central neuroectodermal tumors related to the original malignant cell. A great number of tumors are described under this classification in spite of the fact that there is no an universal acceptance that these small-cell neoplasms, regardless of their primary site, are derived from immature neuroectoderm tissue. Because one tumor resembles others in terms of its phenotypic expression, multiple specific studies such as clinical profile, ultrastructural, immunocytochemical, and cytogenetic features should be studied, since no single clinical or laboratory marker is by itself diagnostic. However, there is a chromosomal reciprocal translocation, t(11;22)(q24;q12), which is unique to Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET)

Unusual case of Meckel's diverticulum: a case report and review of an atypical form of presentation

This is a review of a child who developed symptomatic anemia secondary to a huge Meckel's Diverticulum (MD). The patient presented with multiple complications, such as: neoplasia, occult chronic bleeding, giant size MD, partial intestinal obstruction and severe symptomatic anemia. There was complete resolution of the condition after resection and ileo-ileal anastomosis. After revision of the literature, this case is the first report of MD occurring concomitantly with such a myriad of signs and symptoms

Acute appendicitis: as a predisposing factor for acute glomerulonephritis--report of two cases

This is a review of two children who developed acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) following acute gangrenous appendicitis (AGA) with periappendicular collections. The first patient presented with AGN during the course of appendicitis. The second patient developed AGN after appendectomy. Both patients did not have any other predisposing factors. AGN resolved in both patients after massive intravenous antibiotics. This is the first report of acute appendicitis as a predisposing factor for AGN

Rectosigmoid lipoma an unusual colonic lipoma. Case report and review of the literature.

This is a case report of a male patient admitted with a huge rectosigmoid mass that had eroded into the lumen, causing persistent rectal bleeding. Special procedures such as double contrast Barium Enema, abdomino-pelvic CT-Scan and proctosigmoidoscopy addressed us to identify it as an intramural lipoma. Rectosigmoid lipoma with its differential diagnosis and surgical approach is reviewed together with the most pertinent literature.