Atypical spleen hemophagocytic histiocytic sarcoma in a dog

Background: The histiocytic sarcoma (HS) complex is a set of malignant neoplasms originating from interstitial dendritic cells or macrophages. When it involves macrophages of the splenic red pulp and bone marrow, it is referred to as hemophagocytic histiocytic sarcoma (HHS). HHS behaves more aggressively than HS and is usually fatal. HHS can be diagnosed by cytological and histopathological examination of neoplastic tissue. HHS is confirmed by immunohistochemistry using an anti-CD11d antibody. This neoplasm is often confused with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia or Evans syndrome due to erythrophagocytosis and platelet consumption. The clinical presentation of the animals progresses with evident anemia and thrombocytopenia, leading to signs such as prostration, inappetence, and pale mucosa, making diagnosis challenging and often late. This study aimed to report the clinic-pathological aspects of a canine with atypical hemophagocytic splenic HS. Case: A 4-year-old male Shih-Tzu canine was referred to the Veterinary Hospital with a history of prostration and anorexia. Pale mucous membranes were observed on physical examination. Blood tests revealed non-regenerative anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Serum protein levels were below the reference values for the species in biochemical examinations. Hemoparasitosis was suspected; however, the result of the polymerase chain reaction was negative. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a splenomegaly with heterogeneous parenchyma and a slightly irregular surface, but no visible mass in the spleen. Due to the difficulty of stabilizing the patient, even after successive transfusions, the animal underwent exploratory laparotomy with medial access and posterior splenectomy. Subsequently, the spleen was surgically removed, fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and processed routinely. Macroscopically, it had an irregular reddish-brown capsular surface. Histopathological examination of the spleen revealed a densely cellular neoplasm composed of round to spindle cells (histiocytes) arranged haphazardly in variably sized sheets separating the pre-existing spleen stroma. These histopathological findings were consistent with a histiocytic malignant neoplasm. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to better define the origin of the histiocytic neoplasm. Neoplastic cells showed positive immunostaining of more than 80% of tumor cells for the CD11d antibody and weak immunostaining for CD11c and lysozyme. The patient survived for less than 30 days after the first hospital visit. Discussion: The diagnosis of HHS was based on the histological characteristics and positive immunostaining of more than 80% of the tumor cells for the CD11d antibody. HHS is an extremely aggressive and rare tumor that affects elderly dogs of any breed. In this study, HHS had atypical histologic characteristics, in which erythrophagocytosis and hemosiderin were not observed within macrophages. HHSs arise from macrophages of the red pulp of the spleen or bone marrow and express the b2 integrin, CD11d, and have low expression of CD1 and CD11c, which are predominantly expressed by non-hemophagocytic HS. The hematological and biochemical changes observed in this case were similar to those described in other dogs with HHS. Treatment of HHS is only palliative. Erlichia ewingii, E. canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys, Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Leishmania infantum and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia are the main differential diagnoses because they cause anemia and thrombocytopenia accompanied by splenomegaly.

Obstrucción intestinal secundaria a enteritis por radiación: reporte de un caso / Bowel obstruction secondary to radiation enteritis: A case report

La enteritis por radiación o enteritis actínica es una complicación secundaria al uso de radioterapia para tratamiento de tumores pélvicos, que puede afectar con mayor frecuencia al intestino delgado (principalmente íleon) y al colon. La cirugía en pacientes con enteritis por radiación crónica debe reservarse ante la presencia de complicaciones, ya que está relacionada con una alta morbilidad y estancia hospitalaria prolongadas, así como posibilidad de re operación. Exponemos el caso de una paciente con oclusión intestinal secundaria a enteritis por radiación que desarrolló años después de la conclusión de su tratamiento por cáncer de cuello uterino, con el objetivo de que esta enfermedad sea sospechada en pacientes con antecedentes de radiación.

Radiation enteritis or actinic enteritis is a complication secondary to the use of radiotherapy to treat pelvic tumors, which can more frequently affect the small intestine (mainly ileum) and the colon. Surgery in patients with chronic radiation enteritis should be reserved in the presence of complications, since it is related to high morbidity and prolonged hospital stay, as well as the possibility of reoperation. We present the case of a patient with intestinal occlusion secondary to radiation enteritis who developed years after the conclusion of her treatment due to cervical cancer, with the objective that this disease has to be suspected in patients with history of radiation.

Improvement of antimalarial activity of a 3-alkylpiridine alkaloid analog by replacing the pyridine ring to a thiazole-containing heterocycle: Mode of action, mutagenicity profile, and Caco-2 cell-based permeability.

The development of new antimalarial drugs is urgent to overcome the spread of resistance to the current treatment. Herein we synthesized the compound 3, a hit-to­lead optimization of a thiazole based on the most promising 3-alkylpyridine marine alkaloid analog. Compound 3 was tested against Plasmodium falciparum and has shown to be more potent than its precursor (IC50 values of 1.55 and 14.7 µM, respectively), with higher selectivity index (74.7) for noncancerous human cell line. This compound was not mutagenic and showed genotoxicity only at concentrations four-fold higher than its IC50. Compound 3 was tested in vivo against Plasmodium berghei NK65 strain and inhibited the development of parasite at 50 mg/kg. In silico and UV-vis approaches determined that compound 3 acts impairing hemozoin crystallization and confocal microscopy experiments corroborate these findings as the compound was capable of diminishing food vacuole acidity. The assay of uptake using human intestinal Caco-2 cell line showed that compound 3 is absorbed similarly to chloroquine, a standard antimalarial agent. Therefore, we present here compound 3 as a potent new lead antimalarial compound.

Hydrocarbon composition and distribution in a coastal region under influence of oil production in northeast Brazil.

Waters and sediments from the Potiguar Basin (NE Brazilian coast) were investigated for the presence and nature of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The region receives treated produced waters through a submarine outfall system serving the industrial district. The total dispersed/dissolved concentrations in the water column ranged from 10-50 ng L(-1) for ∑16PAH and 5-10 µg L(-1) for total aliphatic hydrocarbons. In the sediments, hydrocarbon concentrations were low (0.5-10 ng g(-1)for ∑16PAH and 0.01-5.0 µg g(-1) for total aliphatic hydrocarbons) and were consistent with the low organic carbon content of the local sandy sediments. These data indicate little and/or absence of anthropogenic influence on hydrocarbon distribution in water and sediment. Therefore, the measured values may be taken as background values for the region and can be used as future reference following new developments of the petroleum industry in the Potiguar Basin.

Nitinol biliary stent versus surgery for palliation of distal malignant biliary obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Curative resection of pancreatic and biliary malignancies is rare. Most tumors are inoperable at presentation, and palliation of jaundice often is the goal. Biliary decompression can be achieved by surgical diversion or endoscopic biliary stents. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes between surgical bypass and endoscopic uncovered nitinol stents in the palliation of patients with malignant distal common bile duct obstruction. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective, cohort study investigated 86 patients with inoperable malignant distal common bile duct strictures at tertiary referral centers in Medellín, Colombia. These patients had undergone surgery (group 1) or placement of an uncovered 30-Fr self-expandable nitinol stent produced locally in Medellín, Colombia (group 2). The main outcome measurements included cumulative biliary patency, hospital stay, and patient survival. RESULTS: The study enrolled 86 patients (mean age, 66 years; range, 43-78 years) including 40 patients in group 1 and 46 patients in group 2. Both groups were similar in terms of age, gender, liver metastasis, and diagnosis. Technical success was achieved for 38 patients in group 1 (95%) and 43 patients in group 2 (93%). Functional biliary decompression was obtained in for 35 of the surgical patients (88%) and 42 of the stented patients (91%). Group 2 had lower rates for procedure-related mortality (2 vs. 7.5%; p = 0.01), a lower frequency of early complications (8.7 vs. 45%; p = 0.02), and a shorter hospital stay (median, 6 vs. 12 days; p = 0.01). Recurrent jaundice occurred for three patients in group 1 (7.5%) and eight patients in group 2 (17.3%) (p = 0.198). Late gastric outlet obstruction occurred for 12.5% of the patients in group 1 and 13% of the patients in group 2 (p = 0.73). Despite the early benefits of stenting, no significant difference in the median overall survival between the two groups was found (group 1, 163 days; group 2, 178 days; p = 0.11). The limitations of this study included the small number of patients and the retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic stenting and surgery are effective palliation. The former is associated with fewer early complications and the latter with fewer late complications. Patients who do not qualify for curative resection may be better managed by stent placement. Surgery should be reserved for patients more likely to survive longer.

Pyomyositis mimicking leptospirosis: two cases in a Brazilian tertiary care hospital in a non-tropical area.

Pyomyositis is a subacute, deep suppurative bacterial infection of skeletal muscle not arising from contiguous infection. It is presumably haematogenous in origin, and characterized by muscle pain and swelling. We report on two patients who presented with pyomyositis in a tertiary care hospital in temperate region located in southern Brazil with a clinical presentation, which was initially suggestive of leptospirosis. This report discusses the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of pyomyositis. Physicians living in non-tropical areas should note that pyomyositis might occur in those areas, and its initial clinical presentation may be similar to leptospirosis.

Mulher de 56 anos interna por dor torácica e sofre parada cardíaca / Cardiac arrest in 56-year old woman admitted to hospital due to thoracic pain

Mulher branca de 56 anos veio ao Serviço de Emergência do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) por dor retroesternal em queimação, dolente, irradiada para pescoço e mandíbula, contínua, associada a sudorese e dois episódios de hematêmese em pequena quantidade. A dor piorava com a respiração e o decúbito dorsal. Tinha história de tabagismo (20 cigarros/dia) e de doença do refluxo gastroesofágico com esofagite, hérnia hiatal e sangramento digestivo há 14 anos. Apresentava também diagnóstico de gastrite erosiva há 9 anos e episódios de dor retroesternal não relacionada a esforço. Nessa época, a pressão arterial estava no limite inferior do normal, e foi identificada dislipidemia. O teste ergométrico foi normal. Foi realizado eletrocardiograma (ECG) na vigência da dor, que foi considerado normal (figura 1). Um exame radiológico de tórax mostrou atelectasias laminares em ambas as bases. A paciente recebeu ranitidina e hidróxido de alumínio, com melhora parcial da dor. A paciente foi liberada para casa com a orientação de retornar se houvesse piora da dor. Voltou à emergência na manhã do dia seguinte, porque persistia com dor e apresentou hematêmese em pequena quantidade. O exame clínico mostrou paciente em bom estado geral, obesa, hidratada, alerta, orientada, corada; pressão arterial (PA), 120/80 mmHg; freqüência cardíaca (FC), 56 bpm; freqüência respiratória (FR), 22 mpm; saturação de O2, 96 por cento; e temperatura axilar, 37,7O C. O exame do tórax, abdômen e extremidades foram normais. Foi realizado novo ECG na vigência da dor, que também foi considerado normal, além de outros exames. O consultor da gastroenterologia planejou endoscopia digestiva alta após descartar-se a possibilidade de doença isquêmica do miocárdio. A paciente apresentou novo episódio de piora da dor retroesternal no início da tarde, sendo solicitada cintilografia miocárdica em repouso na vigência de dor. A paciente foi encaminhada ao Serviço de Medicina Nuclear e, enquanto era transportada, apresentou parada cardiorrespiratória em dissociação eletromecânica, sendo submetida a manobras de reanimação por cerca de 30 minutos sem resposta

How we assess students using an holistic standardized assessment system.

This article describes an approach for standardizing the assessment system. It consists of a set of longitudinal assessment tools used throughout the 5.5 year competence-based program, such as portfolio, Hall-Tonna Values Inventory, ALBALA (an electronic database to register and assess every student's clinical encounter with any patient, anywhere), OSCE and accumulative written test, as well as a set of assessment tools used according to each particular type of course.

Microscopy and polymerase chain reaction detection of Leishmania chagasi in the pleural and ascitic fluid of a patient with AIDS: Case report and review of diagnosis and therapy of visceral leishmaniasis.

Atypical visceral leishmaniasis is increasingly reported in immunocompromised patients, including patients with AIDS. A case of visceral leishmaniasis in an HIV-infected Brazilian patient with pulmonary and peritoneal involvement is reported. Histological evaluation of pleural fluid and ascites aspirate revealed macrophages with intracellular Leishmania. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was positive for Leishmania in the pleural and ascitic fluid with use of primers specific for Leishmania chagasi. In addition to classical methods for diagnosing leishmaniasis, such as microscopy and culture, polymerase chain reaction detection and identification of Leishmania species in pleural effusions and ascites are important diagnostic tools that should be considered by clinicians evaluating HIV-infected patients from endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis. The authors review the clinical manifestations, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of visceral leishmaniasis in immunocompetent and HIV-infected patients.

Prevalência de infecção por, Helicobacter pylori em crianças avaliadas no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil / Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in children evaluated at \"Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre\", RS, Brazil

OBJECTIVES: To determine prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in a group of symptomatic patients between 2 and 18 years old who were submitted to gastric biopsy during upper endoscopy done in the period of 1990-97. To correlate the histological findings with clinical and endoscopical data. METHODS: A cross-sectional study done after review of clinical and histopathological data. Histopathological sections were reviewed by a pathologist, who did not know the clinical information and the previous histopathological reports. RESULTS: Among 181 patients evaluated, prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was 24.86% (45 positive cases). In pathological analysis, gastritis was found in 38/45 of the positive Helicobacter pylori patients and in 45/136 negative Helicobacter pylori. Gastric ulceration was found in 6/45 positive Helicobacter pylori and in 3/136 negative Helicobacter pylori. CONCLUSION: This study stated a significative association between Helicobacter pylori infection and pathological abnormalities in children evaluated in the "Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre", RS, Brazil.

Prevalência de adenocarcinoma do esôfago e da junçäo esofagogástrica durante 10 anos nun centro de referência para câncer no Sul do Brasil / Prevalence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction during a 10 year period in a cancer referral center in Southern Brazil

A incidência do adenocarcinoma do esôfago e junção esofagogástrica tem aumentado dramaticamente nos EUA e na Europa, mas dados epidemiológicos no Brasil são escassos. Objetivo e métodos - Foram revisados os casos de câncer envolvendo o esôfago e confirmados, histologicamente, num período de 10 anos (1987-1996) obtidos por biopsia durante endoscopia digestiva alta, para determinar a prevalência desse tumor em um centro médico de referência para câncer, no Sul do Brasil. Os casos de câncer foram classificados em três categorias: adenocarcinoma, carcinoma epidermóide e outros. Resultados - Entre 349 casos de câncer; encontrou-se adenocarcinoma em 53 (15,2 por cento), carcinoma epidermóide em 283 (81,1 por cento) e outras neoplasias em 13 (3,7 por cento). Conclusões - A prevalência encontrada de adenocarcinoma na população estudada foi de 15 por cento.