Evaluation of blood supply and metabolism in tumor, axillary lymph node and normal breast tissue with F-18 FDG PET/CT in breast cancer: comparison with pathological prognostic factors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Perfusion parameters obtained in F-18 FDG PET/CT performed for staging purposes in breast cancers may provide additional information about tumor biology as well as glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate throughout F-18 FDG PET/CT the relationship between blood flow and glucose metabolism and histological parameters of the primary tumor, normal mammary gland, and axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty six female patients (mean age 51 y ± 12,81) were prospectively included to this study. We performed dynamic blood flow (f) study that started with 296-444 MBq (8-12 mCi) F-18 FDG injection and lasted for 10 minutes, and glucose metabolism (m) imaging one hour later. On each frame, mean activity concentration (AC) values (Bq/mL) were recorded on a spherical volume of interest (VOI) having a volume of ~ 1 cm3 on the hottest voxel of primary tumor (T), across normal breast gland (NG) and ipsilaterally axillary lymph nodes (iLN). Correlations among PET parameters and estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (c-erbB2) and Ki67 index were analyzed. RESULTS: T volume (TV) ranged from 1.1 to 85.28 cm3 [median (IR): 6.44 (11.78)]. There were positive correlations between c-erbB2 and TACf and between c-erbB2 and iLNACf (p = 0.045, r = + 0.248; p = 0.050, r = + 0.242). In the ER positive (ERP) patients, TV and TACm were significantly lower than those of ER negative (ERN) (respectively p = 0.044 and p = 0.041). In patients with two positive Ki-67 indices, iLN-SUVmax was significantly higher than one-positive patients (p = 0.020). There was a negative correlation between NGACm and histological grade of tumor (p = 0.005, r = - 0.365). CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer shows differences in progression, metastasis and survival due to its diversity in terms of molecular, biological and angiogenesis. High glucose metabolism in breast cancers is associated with tumor aggressiveness. Being able to examine tumor tissue characteristics such as blood flow and glucose metabolism with a single diagnostic technique and to reveal its relationship with histological parameters can provide a reliable pretherapeutic evaluation in breast cancers.

Cost effectiveness of Gene Expression Profiling in Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer in a Middle-Income Country, Turkey: Results of a Prospective Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is a heterogenous disease, and genetic profiling helps to individualize adjuvant treatment. The Oncotype DX is a validated test to predict benefit of adjuvant systemic treatment. The aims of this study are to determine the costs of chemotherapy in government hospitals in Turkey and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Oncotype DX from the national insurance perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Markov model was developed to make long term projections of distant recurrence, survival, quality adjusted life expectancy, and direct costs for patients with ER+, HER2-, node-negative or up to 3 node-positive early stage breast cancer. Turkish decision impact study patient data were captured for model reference. In that study, ten academic centers across Turkey participated in a prospective trial. Of 165 patients with pT1-3, pN0-N1mic, ER-positive, and HER-2 negative tumors, 57% had low recurrence score (RS), 35% had intermediate RS, and 8% had high RS, respectively. The overall rate of change in chemotherapy treatment decisions following Oncotype DX was 33%. RESULTS: The cost of adjuvant chemotherapy in public hospitals was estimated at $3.649, and Oncotype Dx test was $5.141. Based on the cost-effectiveness analysis, Oncotype DX testing was estimated to improve life expectancy (+0.86 years) and quality-adjusted life expectancy (+0.68 QALYs) versus standard care. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICERs) of Oncotype DX was estimated to be $7207.9 per QALY gained and $5720.6 per LY gained versus current clinical practice. CONCLUSION: As Oncotype DX was found both cost-effective and life-saving from a national perspective, the test should be introduced to standard care in patients with ER+, HER-2 negative early-stage breast cancer in Turkey.

Prediction of nonsentinel lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients with one or two positive sentinel lymph nodes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between non sentinel lymph node metastasis (NSLNM) and clinicopathological factors, particularly in the case of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in one or two, in clinically node negative patients with breast cancer. METHODS: Between 10/2010 and 10/2014, 350 sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) were performed in patients with histologically proven primary breast cancer in our clinic. The data collection includes the following characteristics: age, pathological tumor size, histological type, histological grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), number of positive SLN, size of the SLN metastasis (macrometastasis, micrometastasis, isolated tumor cells), multifocality (MF), extracapsuler invasion (ECI) of the SLN, the estrogen receptor (ER) status, the progesterone receptor (PR) status and the Her 2 receptor status, Ki 67 reseptor status. Data were collected retrospectively and then analyzed. RESULTS: A successful SLN biopsy were performed in 345 (98.5%) cases. SLN metastases were detected in 110 (31.8%) cases. These patients then underwent axillary dissection; among these patients, 101 (91.8%) had only one to two positive SLNs. Of the 101 patients with positive SLN biopsies, 32 (31.6%) had metastases in the NSLNs. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular invasion (ECI), Her-2 receptor positive, and Ki-67 > 14% were related to NSLNM (p<.0.05). CONCLUSION: The predicting factors of NSLNM were LVI, ECI, Ki-67 level, Her-2 reseptor positive and but should be further validated in our institutions, different institutions and different patient groups prospectively.

Impact of Oncotype DX Recurrence Score on Treatment Decisions: Results of a Prospective Multicenter Study in Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among Turkish women and the rate of early stage disease is increasing. The Oncotype DX(®) 21-gene assay is predictive of distant recurrence in ER-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the Recurrence Score(®) (RS) on treatment decisions and physician perceptions in Turkey. We also studied correlations between RS and routine risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten academic centers across Turkey participated in this prospective trial. Consecutive breast cancer patients with pT1-3, pN0-N1mic, ER-positive, and HER2-negative tumors were identified at multidisciplinary tumor conferences. The initial treatment decision was recorded before tumor blocks were sent to the central laboratory. Each case was brought back to tumor conference after receiving the RS result. Both pre- and post-RS treatment decisions and physician perceptions were recorded on questionnaire forms. Correlations between RS and classical risk factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Ten centers enrolled a total of 165 patients. The median tumor size was 2 cm. Of 165 patients, 57% had low RS, 35% had intermediate RS, and 8% had high RS, respectively. The overall rate of change in treatment decision was 33%. Initially, chemotherapy followed by hormonal therapy (CT+HT) was recommended to 92 (56%) of all patients, which decreased to 61 (37%) patients post-RS assay (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that progesterone receptor (PR) and Ki-67 scores were significantly related to RS. CONCLUSION: Oncotype DX testing may provide meaningful additional information in carefully selected patients.

Laparoscopic surgery in functional and nonfunctional adrenal tumors: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is a safe and minimally invasive operation for benign adrenal tumours. The purpose of this study was a retrospective analysis of outcomes following laparoscopic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy performed for benign adrenal tumours responsible for various endocrinological disorders and non-functioning tumours. METHODS: A total of 100 laparoscopic adrenalectomy were carried out between January 2007 and March 2013 via the lateral transabdominal approach. The analysed factors included demographic data of patients, indication for surgery, tumour size and side, intraoperative and postoperative outcome of laparoscopic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy including duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, the complication rate, as well as the conversion rate to open adrenalectomy. RESULTS: There were 34 patients with non-functioning tumours (Group 1) and 66 with functioning tumours (Group 2). The intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were not significantly different in the cases among the analysed groups of patients. The median operative time was 101 ± 4.3 (range, 30-210) minute in group 1 and 95 ± 5.9 (range, 30-190) minute in group 2, there was not statistically significant (p = 0.56). The median duration of the postoperative hospital stay in the group 1 was bigger than group 2, this did not differ significantly (p = 0.08). Peroperative complications were occured in 9 (9%) patients, observing 6 (9%) patients in Group 1 and 3 (8.8%) patients in Group 2. There was not statistically significant (p = 0.96). In the postoperative period, three patients in group I, 1 patient in group II developed complications, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.69). The conversion to open surgery was found in 9 (9%) patients. CONCLUSION: This study shows that laparoscopic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy is a safe, effective, and technically feasible procedure in the treatment of both functioning and nonfunctioning benign tumours of the adrenal gland.

Correlations Between Oncotype DX Recurrence Score and Classic Risk Factors in Early Breast Cancer: Results of A Prospective Multicenter Study in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among Turkish women and the rate of early stage disease is increasing. The Oncotype DX 21-gene assay is predictive of distant recurrence in ER-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer. We aimed to evaluate the correlations between Recurrence Score (RS) and routine risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten academic centers across Turkey participated in this prospective trial. Consecutive patients with breast cancer who had pT1-3, pN0-N1mic, ER-positive, and HER2-negative tumors were identified at tumor conferences. Both pre- and post-RS treatment decisions and physician perceptions were recorded on questionnaire forms. Correlations between RS and classic risk factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Ten centers enrolled a total of 165 patients. The median tumor size was 2 cm. Of the 165 patients, 57% had low RS, 35% had intermediate RS, and 8% had high RS, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that progesterone receptor (PR) and Ki67 scores were significantly related to RS. CONCLUSION: Oncotype DX Recurrence Score does not seem to have a significant correlation with the majority of classic risk factors, but it may have a correlation with PR score and Ki67 score.

The effectiveness of gastric tonometry in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia in cases where a contrast-enhanced computed tomography cannot be obtained.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of gastric tonometry in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia in cases where a contrast-enhanced computed tomography cannot be obtained. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The gastric pH (pHi) and gastric CO2 (gpCO2) were measured with gastric tonometry catheter, preoperatively and postoperatively at 24 hours, in patients with suspicion of acute mesenteric ischemia. Simultaneous evaluation of blood gases and blood lactate levels were performed. Patients were divided into two groups after surgery. Group 1 included patients with mesenteric ischemia, and Group 2 consisted of patients without mesenteric ischemia. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (26 males, 16 females) were evaluated. The mean age was 61.4±13.3 years. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic factors and co-morbid diseases. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of pHi and gpCO2 levels (7.24±0.2 and -3±12.0 in Group 1, 7.18±0.06 and -3±1.9 in Group 2, respectively), intra-abdominal pressure, lactate levels, and survival. Among all the study parameters, only arterial pH had statistical significance in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (7.23±0.21 versus 7.35±0.07 for Groups 1 and 2, respectively,) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Gastric tonometry is not a useful method in the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia.

Factors affecting breast cancer treatment delay in Turkey: a study from Turkish Federation of Breast Diseases Societies.

BACKGROUND: One of the most important factors in breast cancer (BC) mortality is treatment delay. The primary goal of this survey was to identify factors affecting the total delay time (TDT) in Turkish BC patients. METHODS: A total of 1031 patients with BC were surveyed using a uniform questionnaire. The time between discovering the first symptom and signing up for the first medical visit (patient delay time; PDT) and the time between the first medical visit and the start of therapy (system delay time; SDT) were modelled separately with multilevel regression. RESULTS: The mean PDT, SDT and TDT were 4.8, 10.5 and 13.8 weeks, respectively. In all, 42% of the patients had a TDT >12 weeks. Longer PDT was significantly correlated with disregarding symptoms and having age of between 30 and 39 years. Shorter PDT was characteristic of patients who: had stronger self-examination habits, received more support from family and friends and had at least secondary education. Predictors of longer SDT included disregard of symptoms, distrust in success of therapy and medical system and having PDT in excess of 4 weeks. Shorter SDT was linked to the age of >60 years. Patients who were diagnosed during a periodic check-up or opportunistic mammography displayed shorter SDT compared with those who had symptomatic BC and their first medical examination was by a surgeon. CONCLUSION: TDT in Turkey is long and remains a major problem. Delays can be reduced by increasing BC awareness, implementing organized population-based screening programmes and founding cancer centres.

Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: Comparison of Wide Local Excision with or without Corticosteroid Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is an uncommon chronic inflammatory disease of the breast with uncertain optimal treatment regimen. In this study, our purpose was to report our clinical experience with 74 IGM patients who were treated wide local excision with or without steroid therapy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 74 cases diagnosed histologically as IGM were identified from surgical and pathological records between January 1995 and January 2012. Group 1 (surgery-only group) comprised 53 patients, and the 21 patients in group 2 were treated with corticosteroids prior to surgical treatment (steroid-and-surgery group). RESULTS: Follow-up data were complete for 67 (91.7%) of the 73 patients. Recurrence developed in 4 (7.5%) patients in the surgery-only group, while there was no recurrence in the steroid-and-surgery group; the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.19). CONCLUSION: Systemic steroid therapy with surgical resection is the recommended first-line treatment strategy for IGM.

Impact of Omega-3 and Omega-9 fatty acids enriched total parenteral nutrition on blood chemistry and inflammatory markers in septic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Lipid emulsions containing omega-3 are known to have positive effects on patient's prognosis due to anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of omega-3 enriched total parenteral nutrition (TPN) emulsion containing omega-9 on biochemical parameters, inflammatory mediators in septic patients. METHODS: Thirty-two participants who were not fed orally for over five days and needing TPN support were included in this prospective, randomized and double-blind clinical study. Patients were randomly divided into control (n=16), treatment (n=16) groups. The treatment group received TPN containing 80% olive oil+20% soy oil additionally 10 g fish oil enriched TPN. Control group received only olive oil containing standard lipid emulsion (1.3±0.1 g/kg/day). Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis on the 1(st) and 6(th) days of study. RESULTS: The serum albumin levels significantly increased (p<0.05) in both groups whereas total protein and prealbumin levels did not show any significant changes. In treatment group, significant decreases were determined in LTB4 and CRP levels (p<0.05) while decreases in IL-6, TNF-α and leukocyte levels were not significant. No statistically significant changes were found in LTB4, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α and leukocyte levels of controls. CONCLUSION: RESULTS of the study have shown that omega-3 enriched TPN solution containing omega-9 contributes to decrease in the levels of inflammatory mediators and to improvement in the biochemical parameters in septic patients.

Necessity of preventive colostomy for Fournier's gangrene of the anorectal region.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the necessity of preventive colostomy for Fournier's gangrene of the anorectal region. METHODS: The medical records of 37 patients with perianal Fournier's gangrene were evaluated retrospectively. Debridement(s) alone was performed in 18 patients (Group D), while debridement(s) plus Hartmann colostomy was performed in 19 patients (Group D&HC). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the D and D&HC groups with respect to mean age (p=0.73), sex ratio (p=1.00), diabetes mellitus (p=0.88), concomitant diseases (p=0.57), and number of debridements (p=0.75). The medical and surgical complication and mortality rates and duration of hospital and intensive care unit stays were also not significantly different between the D and D&HC groups (p>0.05). Fecal diversion was done at the initial operation in 11 patients, at second operation in 6 patients, and at third operation in 2 patients. When compared, morbidity rates were similar, but mortality rates were statistically different (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: Fournier's gangrene remains a difficult surgical problem. Despite aggressive multidisciplinary treatment, it still has a high mortality rate. Fecal diversion in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene is controversial. If necessary, preventive colostomy should be performed during the initial debridement.

Celiac artery compression syndrome: diagnosis with multislice CT.

Celiac artery compression syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by postprandial intestinal angina caused by insufficient blood supply to the gastrointestinal organs. In this syndrome, the root of the celiac artery is compressed and narrowed by the median arcuate ligament of the diaphragm during expiration. We report here 3 such cases that were diagnosed by the use of multislice computed tomography.

Peritoneal perforation of liver hydatid cysts: clinical presentation, predisposing factors, and surgical outcome.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical presentation of, predisposing factors in, and early and long-term outcome of patients treated surgically for intraperitoneal ruptured liver hydatid cysts. Medical records of 27 patients with traumatic rupture of hydatid cysts were evaluated retrospectively, as were records of 347 patients with nonperforated hydatid cysts. The ratio of perforation cases to nonperforation cases was 7.8%. Traffic accidents were the most common cause of perforation (n = 16). All patients had abdominal findings, and two patients (7%) had anaphylactic findings. The sensitivities of computed tomography and ultrasonography were 100% and 93%, respectively. Conservative surgical procedures were used for 80.5% of cysts and radical procedures for 19.5%. Associated organ injuries were determined in 10 patients. No significant difference was found between patients with peritoneal perforation and those without perforation in terms of sex (p = 0.403), previous hydatid disease surgery (p = 0.565), localization (p = 0.241), number of cysts (p = 0.537), presence of cystic content infection (p = 0.65), or presence of bile duct communication (p = 0.37). However, there were significant differences in age (p = 0.004), cyst diameter ( > 10 cm) (p = 0.03), and presence of superficially localized cysts (p = 0.011). Three patients developed recurrence. In the group of patients with perforation, the complication and recurrence rates were not statistically different in a comparison of surgical techniques (p = 0.37). No postoperative deaths occurred. The main predisposing factors for cyst perforation are young age and superficial localization. Peritoneal rupture increases the rates of postoperative morbidity and recurrence; in contrast, there was no significant relation between the operative procedure and the morbidity and recurrence rates.

Hepatic von Meyenburg complex simulating biliary cystadenocarcinoma.

Multiple bile duct hamartomas [von Meyenburg complex (VMC)] are benign liver malformations that include biliary cystic lesions, with congenital hepatic fibrosis being the cause of ductal plate malformations. This rare entity is usually isolated and detected incidentally in 0.6-5.6% of reported autopsy series. Its clinical significance is that it may be misdiagnosed as malignant liver disease. Imaging findings of VMC are nonspecific. We present a rare case of VMC in a patient who presented with epigastric and upper right abdominal pain, and jaundice of 2 months' duration. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging showed a periportal multicystic mass simulating biliary cystadenoma/cystadenocarcinoma. The patient underwent laparotomy. A diagnosis of VMC was made after histopathologic examination of the wedge biopsy of the liver.

Single dose of anti-transforming growth factor-beta1 monoclonal antibody enhances liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in biliary-obstructed rats.

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor (TGF) beta is a potent inhibitor of hepatocyte DNA synthesis and liver regeneration. TGF-beta(1) expression progressively increases in obstructive jaundice. We investigated the effect of TGF-beta(1) blockage on liver regeneration in rats induced with obstructive jaundice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar-albino rats were divided into three groups: sham, control, and study groups. In the study and control groups, the common bile duct was ligated and divided, and 7 days later a partial hepatectomy was performed. In the study group, anti-TGF-beta(1) monoclonal antibody (10-microg single dose) was administered immediately after the 70% hepatectomy. In the control group, those rats in which obstructive jaundice was induced received normal saline after the 70% hepatectomy, and nonjaundiced rats received anti-TGF-beta(1) monoclonal antibody after the 70% hepatectomy. Rats were sacrificed after 48 or 72 h. Relative liver weight, AST, ALT, total and conjugated bilirubin, and TGF-beta(1) levels were measured. The mitotic index and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labeling index were evaluated as histopathologic parameters. RESULTS: At 72 h, the TGF-beta(1) level in the study group was similar to that in the sham group, whereas TGF-beta(1) in the study group was significantly lower than that of the jaundiced control group at 48 or 72 h (P < 0.001). The relative liver weight, mitotic index, and PCNA labeling index were significantly higher in the study group than in the jaundiced control group at 48 and 72 h (P < 0.001). The AST, ALT, and TGF-beta(1) levels were significantly higher in the jaundiced control group compared to the study group after 48 and 72 h, whereas these values were significantly lower in the nonjaundiced control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In obstructive jaundiced rats, TGF-beta(1) blockage with anti-TGF-beta(1) monoclonal antibody after liver resection improved liver regeneration both morphologically and functionally.

The effect of amrinone on liver regeneration in experimental hepatic resection model.

BACKGROUND: The phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs) have been proposed to improve hepatic reperfusion injury and hepatosplanchnic circulation, but the effects of these agents on liver regeneration have not been investigated thoroughly. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of amrinone, a PDEI, on liver regeneration in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty rats were divided into two groups, control and amrinone. Each group was then divided into three groups (n=10). An infusion of amrinone to the study group and of 0.9% NaCl to the control group was performed. Seventy percent liver resection was performed to the rats during the first hour of infusion. The infusion was maintained for 17 h after resection. A total of 18 h infusion was performed. Rats were allowed to survive for 24, 48, and 72 h, and then they were sacrificed. Biochemical, morphological, hematological, and histopathologic measurements and assessments were performed. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the amrinone and control groups in alkaline phosphatase and relative liver weights at 24, 48, and 72 h (P<0.05). There also were statistically significant differences between the groups in AST, bilirubin, and albumine levels at 24 h, ALT and prothrombine time levels at 48 h, and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels at 72 h (P<0.05). Hepatic ATP levels, mitotic index, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index were significantly higher in amrinone group compared with control group at all three time intervals (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Amrinone improves both morphological and functional liver regeneration after liver resection.

Laparoscopic versus open splenectomy in the management of benign and malign hematologic diseases: a ten-year single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has gained wide acceptance as a safe, effective alternative to open splenectomy (OS) in the treatment of hematologic disorders. The aim of this study was to compare two cohorts of patients with similar characteristics, who underwent LS and OS in a single university teaching center. METHODS: Records were reviewed from 30 patients who underwent LS for a hematologic disease and compared with a control group of 38 patients undergoing OS for hematologic disease. Demographics and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to accessory spleens, blood loss, or complication rates (P > 0.05). The operation time in the LS group was significantly longer than in the OS group (P < 0.01) and the length of hospital stay in the LS group was significantly shorter than in the OS group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic splenectomy is likely becoming the gold standard in the surgical treatment of hematologic diseases.

Chromium and manganese levels in the scalp hair of normals and patients with breast cancer.

The adverse health effects linked with chromium and manganese and the diverse cellular and molecular effects of chromium and manganese make the study of chromium and manganese carcinogenesis and toxicology very interesting and complex. Quantitative elemental analysis of scalp hair of breast cancer patients (stage III) (n=26) and controls (n=27) were used to study to find correlation and possible changes between breast cancer and healthy controls. The graphite furnace atomic absorption analysis of quantitative method was used for the determination of chromium and manganese element levels. Comparison of mean elemental contents of the breast cancer patients with controls shows a significant enhancement of chromium (p<0.05) but declining trends for manganese (p<0.05) in breast cancer patients. Changes in element content in hair can serve as a guide to opening up new vistas in the treatment of breast cancer on the basis of an overall analysis of symptoms and signs.

Large animal-related abdominal injuries.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated injuries to the abdominal area of the body caused by large animals, as well as the management of this problem. METHODS: All the patients with large animal-related abdominal injuries over a 10-year period were identified retrospectively through the general surgery registrations. RESULTS: Overall, 113 patients were hospitalized after large animal encounters during the 10-year study period, 33 (30%) of which had large animal-related abdominal injuries. These patients comprised 10 women (30%) and 23 men (70%) with a mean age of 56 +/- 14 years. Of the 33 patients, 31 (93.9%) sustained blunt injuries and 2 (6.1%) experienced penetrating abdominal trauma. The mean Injury Severity Score was 12.7 +/- 4.0, and the mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score was 10.6 +/- 3.2. The mean intensive care unit stay was 0.8 +/- 2.2 days, and the total hospital length of stay was 7.3 +/- 5.6 days. Whereas 12 patients (36.4%) were managed nonoperatively, 21 patients (63.6%) required surgery. Laparotomy showed injuries to the jejunum in three patients (9.1%), to the ileum in 13 patients (39.4%), to the ileal mesenterium in 1 patient (3%), to the liver in 4 patients (12.1%), and to the spleen in 2 patients (6.1%). One patient died of myocardial infarction on the second day after admission. CONCLUSIONS: Large animal-related injuries to the abdominal area can be serious. Immediate transportation and early diagnosis of abdominal insults are important because of the frequencies of small bowel and mesenteric injuries, which are difficult to diagnose using currently available diagnostic tools.