PIK3R1, HRAS and AR Gene Alterations Associated with Sclerosing Polycystic Adenoma of the Parotid Gland.

Sclerosing polycystic adenoma (SPA) is a rare neoplasm occurring in the salivary glands, mainly the parotid gland. Although it was originally thought to represent a non-neoplastic process, recent genetic data have proven its monoclonality, supporting its neoplastic origin. We report a case of a 73-year-old woman who presented with left neck swelling and pain. A 3 cm hypoechoic, heterogeneous, solid mass was identified on neck ultrasonography within the left parotid gland. Fine needle aspiration revealed benign acinar cells and lymphocytes. Left partial superficial parotidectomy was performed and a diagnosis of SPA was made. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed three clinically significant alterations in the PIK3R1, HRAS, and AR genes. Alterations in the PIK3R1 gene have been previously reported in cases of SPA; however, this study is the first to report two novel clinically significant genomic alterations in the HRAS and AR genes. AR protein expression by immunohistochemistry was strongly and diffusely positive in the neoplastic epithelial cells compared to the adjacent normal salivary gland tissue, which was dead negative for AR. This molecular profile will enhance our understanding of the molecular pathways underlying the development of this tumor. Although this entity was initially thought to be a reactive process, evidence from our case and similar cases strongly support the notion that it is neoplastic due to the presence of specific genetic alterations linked to it.

Understanding the histogenesis of a HRAS-PIK3R1 co-driven metastatic metaplastic breast carcinoma associated with squamous metaplasia of lactiferous ducts.

Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) represents a heterogeneous group of aggressive primary breast cancers that can show differentiation into carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. Due to its rapid growth, this malignancy can replace precursor lesions, which remain unknown in most cases. Herein, we describe a MBC presenting as a deceptive post-biopsy hematoma. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of the primary tumor revealed a squamous cell carcinoma arising in a background of squamous metaplasia of lactiferous ducts (SMOLD). In the absence of ductal carcinoma in situ, we consider SMOLD as a nonobligatory precursor of MBC. The tumor showed 'dedifferentiation' into spindle, mucin-producing, osteoclast-like giant cell and fibromatosis-like carcinoma. Next-generation sequencing revealed the driver mutations HRASQ61R and PIK3R1c.1738_1745+2del in addition to MYH11S638L and amplification of ERCC5 and FGF14, which were potential contributors to tumor phenotype. Tumor dedifferentiation was probably facilitated by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with aberrant expression of platelet and endothelial adhesion molecule-1, leading to early metastasis via hematogenous route rather than lymphatic. The co-occurrence of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway abnormalities along with EMT could mediate divergent growth in breast cancer.

Disseminated Kaposi sarcoma with epithelioid morphology in an HIV/AIDS patient: A previously unreported variant.

Kaposi sarcoma is an oligoclonal HHV-8-driven vascular proliferation that was first described by a Viennese dermatologist Dr Moritz Kaposi. The disease has been seen in different clinical-epidemiological settings with a wide morphologic spectrum. We report a 52-year-old Caucasian man with HIV/AIDS and Kaposi sarcoma who presented with dyspnea and pleural effusion. He reported numerous tender subcutaneous nodules developing over the past few months on his chest, back and abdomen. An excisional biopsy of one of the nodules was performed. Touch preps revealed malignant cells in clusters. Microscopically, the neoplasm appeared undifferentiated with an epithelioid morphology, and involved the dermis and subcutaneous fat. Despite the medical history, Kaposi sarcoma was not considered foremost in the differential diagnosis. The malignant cells were positive for vimentin and negative for S100 protein, keratin AE1/3, CK7, CK20, napsin A, TTF-1 and synaptophysin. Additional stains revealed positivity for HHV-8, CD31 and D2-40, supporting the diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma. Kaposi sarcoma has been well described with many variants that may cause diagnostic difficulty. An epithelioid variant has not been reported and consequently, may cause misinterpretation of an otherwise well-known entity that may become life threatening if appropriate treatment is not initiated in a timely manner.

A randomized comparison of laparoscopic, flexible endoscopic, and wired and wireless magnetic cameras on ex vivo and in vivo NOTES surgical performance.

BACKGROUND: The influence of endoscopic video camera (VC) image quality on surgical performance has not been studied. Flexible endoscopes are used as substitutes for laparoscopes in natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), but their optics are originally designed for intralumenal use. Manipulable wired or wireless independent VCs might offer advantages for NOTES but are still under development. OBJECTIVE: To measure the optical characteristics of 4 VC systems and to compare their impact on the performance of surgical suturing tasks. METHODS: VC systems included a laparoscope (Storz 10 mm), a flexible endoscope (Olympus GIF 160), and 2 prototype deployable cameras (magnetic anchoring and guidance system [MAGS] Camera and PillCam). In a randomized fashion, the 4 systems were evaluated regarding standardized optical characteristics and surgical manipulations of previously validated ex vivo (fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery model) and in vivo (live porcine Nissen model) tasks; objective metrics (time and errors/precision) and combined surgeon (n = 2) performance were recorded. RESULTS: Subtle differences were detected for color tests, and field of view was variable (65°-115°). Suitable resolution was detected up to 10 cm for the laparoscope and MAGS camera but only at closer distances for the endoscope and PillCam. Compared with the laparoscope, surgical suturing performances were modestly lower for the MAGS camera and significantly lower for the endoscope (ex vivo) and PillCam (ex vivo and in vivo). CONCLUSIONS: This study documented distinct differences in VC systems that may be used for NOTES in terms of both optical characteristics and surgical performance. Additional work is warranted to optimize cameras for NOTES. Deployable systems may be especially well suited for this purpose.

Maximizing coupling strength of magnetically anchored surgical instruments: how thick can we go?

BACKGROUND: The Magnetic Anchoring and Guidance System (MAGS) includes an external magnet that controls intra-abdominal surgical instruments via magnetic attraction forces. We have performed NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery) and LESS (Laparoendoscopic Single Site) procedures using MAGS instruments in porcine models with up to 2.5-cm-thick abdominal walls, but this distance may not be sufficient in some humans. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximal abdominal wall thickness for which the current MAGS platform is suitable. METHODS: Successive iterations of prototype instruments were developed; those evaluated in this study include external (134-583 g, 38-61 mm diameter) and internal (8-39 g, 10-22 mm diameter) components using various grades, diameters, thicknesses, and stacking/shielding/focusing configurations of permanent Neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets. Nine configurations were tested for coupling strength across distances of 0.1-10 cm. The force-distance tests across an air medium were conducted at 0.5-mm increments using a robotic arm fitted with a force sensor. A minimum theoretical instrument drop-off (decoupling) threshold was defined as the separation distance at which force decreased below the weight of the heaviest internal component (39 g). RESULTS: Magnetic attraction forces decreased exponentially over distance. For the nine configurations tested, the average forces were 3,334 ± 1,239 gf at 0.1 cm, 158 ± 98 gf at 2.5 cm, and 8.7 ± 12 gf at 5 cm; the drop-off threshold was 3.64 ± 0.8 cm. The larger stacking configurations and magnets yielded up to a 592% increase in attraction force at 2.5 cm and extended the drop-off threshold distance by up to 107% over single-stack anchors. For the strongest configuration, coupling force ranged from 5,337 gf at 0.1 cm to 0 gf at 6.95 cm and yielded a drop-off threshold distance of 4.78 cm. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the strongest configuration of currently available MAGS instruments is suitable for clinically relevant abdominal wall thicknesses. Further platform development and optimization are warranted.

Parathyroid hemangioma.

BACKGROUND: Hemangiomas are benign neoplasms of capillary proliferation that arise from a developmental anomaly where angioblastic mesenchyme fails to form canals. Most hemangiomas arise in the head and neck region, either superficially in the skin or deeper within endocrine organs such as the parotid gland. Parathyroid hemangiomas, however, are extremely rare, with only five cases previously reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we present a case of a 68-year-old man with a hemangioma almost completely replacing the right upper parathyroid gland, grossly measuring 1.3 × 1.3 × 1.2 cm and weighing 700 mg, associated with primary hyperparathyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroid gland enlargement due to vascular neoplasms such as hemangiomas can mimic, both clinically and radiographically, hyperplasias and/or adenomas. Surgeons need to be aware of the presence of this entity and should consider it in the differential diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism or parathyroid gland enlargement.

[Levels of 25 hydroxy vitamin D of serum and broncho-alveolar lavage in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis]. / Concentraciones de 25 hidroxi vitamina D séricas y en lavado bronco-alveolar en pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar.

BACKGROUND: Alteration of vitamin D is a risk factor for tuberculosis (TB). AIM: To evaluate the pulmonary and serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) in patients with and without pulmonary TB. METHODS: Two-stage study: the first part was retrospective cross-sectional and the second prospective. Those > 18 years of age who underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy for suspected pulmonary TB and in whom the infection was confirmed were included. Patients with another type of infection without TB and non-infectious diseases were taken as controls for the first stage and infectious controls without TB in the prospective phase. The measurement of 25OHD was performed by ELFA (enzyme-linked fluorescence assay). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate association, considering a value of p < 0.05 to be significant. The data were processed with the SPSS version 23 program. RESULTS: The total sample was 77 patients (35 in the first stage and 42 in the second). The characteristics between the groups were homogeneous. Serum (second phase) and broncho-alveolar lavage (first and second phase) levels of 25OHD were lower in TB patients compared to controls and were independent of serum calcium level (serum: 22.4 ng/mL vs 33 ng/mL, p = 0.006 and broncho-alveolar lavage: 9.7 ng/mL vs 12.2 ng/mL; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant difference between the levels of 25OHD in both serum and broncho-alveolar lavage in patients with pulmonary TB in relation to their controls.

Multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of seviprotimut-L polyvalent melanoma vaccine in patients with post-resection melanoma at high risk of recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with advanced melanomas relapse after checkpoint blockade therapy. Thus, immunotherapies are needed that can be applied safely early, in the adjuvant setting. Seviprotimut-L is a vaccine containing human melanoma antigens, plus alum. To assess the efficacy of seviprotimut-L, the Melanoma Antigen Vaccine Immunotherapy Study (MAVIS) was initiated as a three-part multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial. Results from part B1 are reported here. METHODS: Patients with AJCC V.7 stage IIB-III cutaneous melanoma after resection were randomized 2:1, with stage stratification (IIB/C, IIIA, IIIB/C), to seviprotimut-L 40 mcg or placebo. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was the primary endpoint. For an hypothesized HR of 0.625, one-sided alpha of 0.10, and power 80%, target enrollment was 325 patients. RESULTS: For randomized patients (n=347), arms were well-balanced, and treatment-emergent adverse events were similar for seviprotimut-L and placebo. For the primary intent-to-treat endpoint of RFS, the estimated HR was 0.881 (95% CI: 0.629 to 1.233), with stratified logrank p=0.46. However, estimated HRs were not uniform over the stage randomized strata, with HRs (95% CIs) for stages IIB/IIC, IIIA, IIIB/IIIC of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.37 to 1.19), 0.72 (95% CI: 0.35 to 1.50), and 1.19 (95% CI: 0.72 to 1.97), respectively. In the stage IIB/IIC stratum, the effect on RFS was greatest for patients <60 years old (HR=0.324 (95% CI: 0.121 to 0.864)) and those with ulcerated primary melanomas (HR=0.493 (95% CI: 0.255 to 0.952)). CONCLUSIONS: Seviprotimut-L is very well tolerated. Exploratory efficacy model estimation supports further study in stage IIB/IIC patients, especially younger patients and those with ulcerated melanomas. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01546571.

A multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of GIST liver metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) can metastasize and recur after a long remission period, resulting in serious morbidity, mortality, and complex management issues. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old woman presented with epigastric fullness, mild jaundice and weight loss with a history of a bowel resection 7 years prior for a primary GIST of the small bowel. The finding of a heterogeneous mass 15.5 cm in diameter replacing most of the left lobe of the liver by ultrasonography and CT, followed by positive cytological studies revealed a metastatic GIST. Perioperative optimization of the patient's nutritional status along with biliary drainage, and portal vein embolization were performed. Imatinib was successful in reducing the tumor size and facilitating surgical resection. CONCLUSION: A well-planned multidisciplinary approach should be part of the standard management of advanced or metastatic GIST.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast, 20 years of experience in a single center with review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is a rare type of breast cancer, which presents inconsistencies in the optimal management strategy. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data, spanning the last 20 years, was performed using the cancer registry database at our institution. RESULTS: Six patients were diagnosed with ACC of the breast, out of 5,813 total patients diagnosed with breast cancer (0.1%). Our identified patients had a median age of 66, all with the early stage cancer (Stage I/II). The average size of the breast lesion was 1.62 cm, and nodal status was negative for all cases. All patients had resection as primary therapy (partial or total mastectomy), with one patient also undergoing external beam radiation and tamoxifen hormonal therapy. Median follow-up was 85 months, with all patients being disease-free at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: ACC of the breast has an indolent course, despite triple negative status. Our study suggests that radiation may not be warranted and confirms the rarity of axillary node metastases, indicating that sentinel node excision may also not be necessary. Ultimately, the hope is that our findings along with the reviewed literature will aid in determining the most appropriate options for management of ACC of the breast.

Chondroid Metaplasia in a Fibroepithelial Polyp of Gingiva.

Gingival masses are commonly encountered in clinical practice and can be a result of many conditions one of them could be metaplasia. Metaplasia is defined as the replacement of the lining of an organ with the type of lining normally found at another site. We are reporting a case of a 17-year-old Mexican male who presented with a pedunculated nodule associated to maxillary anterior gingiva. The histopatological examination revealed a chondroid material covered by stratified squamous epithelium and was diagnosed as chondroid metaplasia.

Parathyroid hemangioma

Background Hemangiomas are benign neoplasms of capillary proliferation that arise from a developmental anomaly where angioblastic mesenchyme fails to form canals. Most hemangiomas arise in the head and neck region, either superficially in the skin or deeper within endocrine organs such as the parotid gland. Parathyroid hemangiomas, however, are extremely rare, with only five cases previously reported in the literature. Case presentation Herein, we present a case of a 68-year-old man with a hemangioma almost completely replacing the right upper parathyroid gland, grossly measuring 1.3 × 1.3 × 1.2 cm and weighing 700 mg, associated with primary hyperparathyroidism. Conclusions Parathyroid gland enlargement due to vascular neoplasms such as hemangiomas can mimic, both clinically and radiographically, hyperplasias and/or adenomas. Surgeons need to be aware of the presence of this entity and should consider it in the differential diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism or parathyroid gland enlargement.

Concentraciones de 25 hidroxi vitamina D séricas y en lavado bronco-alveolar en pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar / Levels of 25 hydroxy vitamin D of serum and broncho-alveolar lavage in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La alteración de la vitamina D es un factor de riesgo para enfermar de tuberculosis (TBC). OBJETIVO: Evaluar la concentración pulmonar y sérica del compuesto 25-hidroxi-vitamina D (25OHD) en pacientes con y sin TBC pulmonar. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio de dos etapas: la primera parte fue de corte transversal, retrospectiva, y la segunda prospectiva. Se incluyeron > 18 años a los que se les realizó fibrobroncoscopia por sospecha de TBC pulmonar y en quienes se confirmó la infección. Se tomaron como controles a pacientes con otro tipo de infección no TBC, y enfermedades no infecciosas para la primera etapa y controles infecciosos sin TBC en la fase prospectiva. La medición de 25OHD se realizó mediante ELFA (ensayo de fluorescencia ligado a enzima). Se empleó la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis para evaluar asociación considerando significativo un valor de p < 0,05. Los datos se procesaron con el programa SPSS versión 23. RESULTADOS: La muestra total fue de 77 pacientes (35 en la primera etapa y 42 en la segunda). Las características entre los grupos fueron homogéneas. Las concentraciones en suero (segunda fase) como en el lavado bronco-alveolar (primera y segunda fase) de 25OHD fueron más bajas en pacientes con TBC comparado con los controles e independientes de la concentración de calcio sérico (suero: 22,4 ng/mL vs 33 ng/mL, p = 0,006 y lavado bronco-alveolar: 9,7 ng/mL vs 12,2 ng/mL; p = 0,012). CONCLUSIONES: Hubo una diferencia significativa entre las concentraciones de 25OHD, tanto en suero como en lavado bronco-alveolar, en pacientes con TBC pulmonar con relación a sus controles.

BACKGROUND: Alteration of vitamin D is a risk factor for tuberculosis (TB). AIM: To evaluate the pulmonary and serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) in patients with and without pulmonary TB. METHODS: Two-stage study: the first part was retrospective cross-sectional and the second prospective. Those > 18 years of age who underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy for suspected pulmonary TB and in whom the infection was confirmed were included. Patients with another type of infection without TB and non-infectious diseases were taken as controls for the first stage and infectious controls without TB in the prospective phase. The measurement of 25OHD was performed by ELFA (enzyme-linked fluorescence assay). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate association, considering a value of p < 0.05 to be significant. The data were processed with the SPSS version 23 program. RESULTS: The total sample was 77 patients (35 in the first stage and 42 in the second). The characteristics between the groups were homogeneous. Serum (second phase) and broncho-alveolar lavage (first and second phase) levels of 25OHD were lower in TB patients compared to controls and were independent of serum calcium level (serum: 22.4 ng/mL vs 33 ng/mL, p = 0.006 and broncho-alveolar lavage: 9.7 ng/mL vs 12.2 ng/mL; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant difference between the levels of 25OHD in both serum and broncho-alveolar lavage in patients with pulmonary TB in relation to their controls.

Quantum dot labeling and tracking of cultured limbal epithelial cell transplants in vitro.

PURPOSE: Cultured human limbal epithelial cells (HLECs) have shown promise in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency but little is known about their survival, behavior, and long-term fate after transplantation. The aim of this research was to evaluate, in vitro, quantum dot (Qdot) technology as a tool for tracking transplanted HLECs. METHODS: In vitro cultured HLECs were labeled with Qdot nanocrystals. Toxicity was assessed using live-dead assays. The effect on HLEC function was assessed using colony-forming efficiency assays and expression of CK3, P63alpha, and ABCG2. Sheets of cultured HLECs labeled with Qdot nanocrystals were transplanted onto decellularized human corneoscleral rims in an organ culture model and observed to investigate the behavior of transplanted cells. RESULTS: Quantum dot labeling had no detrimental effect on HLEC viability or function in vitro. Proliferation resulted in a gradual reduction in Qdot signal but sufficient signal was present to allow tracking of cells through multiple generations. Cells labeled with Qdots could be reliably detected and observed using confocal microscopy for at least 2 weeks after transplantation in our organ culture model. In addition, it was possible to label and observe epithelial cells in intact human corneas by using the Rostock corneal module adapted for use with the Heidelberg HRA. CONCLUSIONS: This work demonstrates that Qdots combined with existing clinical equipment could be used to track HLEC for up to 2 weeks after transplantation; however, our model does not permit the assessment of cell labeling beyond 2 weeks. Further characterization in in vivo models are required.

Aneurisma de arteria pulmonar: un hallazgo incidental / Pulmonary artery aneurysm: an incidental finding

Resumen Los aneurismas de la arteria pulmonar son entidades infrecuentes y su tratamiento es tema de discusión. Desde el punto de vista etiológico pueden ser congénitos o adquiridos. Los primeros, generalmente se asocian a malformaciones cardiacas que producen hipertensión pulmonar, siendo el ductus arterioso la más frecuente. Otras anomalías incluyen defectos auriculares o ventriculares. Las causas adquiridas pueden ser idiopáticas o estar asociadas a infecciones (tuberculosis, sífilis), traumatismos o colagenopatías. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 62 años, quien consultó por un cuadro clínico en el que se destacaba su sintomatología neurológica e infecciosa, con posterior progresión a un choque séptico y en quien los hallazgos de las imágenes mostraron un aneurisma gigante de la arteria pulmonar siendo este un hallazgo incidental y sin relación a la sintomatología de la paciente.

Abstract Aneurysms of the pulmonary artery are rare entities and their treatment is a matter of discussion. From the etiological point of view, they can be congenital or acquired. Those in the first group are generally associated with cardiac malformations that generate pulmonary hypertension, with the ductus arteriosus being the most frequent. Other abnormalities include atrial or ventricular defects. The acquired causes may be idiopathic or associated with infections (tuberculosis, syphilis), trauma, or collagen disease. We present the case of a 62-year-old woman, which consulted for a clinical condition where neurological and infectious symptoms stood out, with subsequent progression to a state of septic shock, and in whom the imaging finding showed a giant pulmonary artery aneurysm. this being an incidental finding and unrelated to the patient's symptoms.

Intraoperative Ultrasound-Guided Excision of Nonpalpable Breast Lesions.

In order to determine if intraoperative ultrasound (US)-guided excision is a feasible procedure, we prospectively studied 15 female patients between July 1996 and December 1998 for US-detected nonpalpable breast lesions. Intraoperative US was used by the operating surgeon to identify the lesion, guide its excision, and evaluate the specimen to document complete removal. A control group of 15 female patients with mammographically detected nonpalpable lesions was used for comparison. These patients underwent preoperative needle localization, excision of the lesions, and specimen radiographs. Age, size of the lesion, total excised tissue volume, and operative time were documented in all cases. Fifteen patients aged 20-83 years (mean 51) underwent US-guided excision, which adequately localized all lesions, and excision was successful in all patients. Specimen US documented the lesion in all cases. Lesion size ranged from 0.7 to 2 cm (mean 1.1) and the total excised tissue volume averaged 30 cc. Mean operative time was 53 minutes (range 30-75 minutes). The 15 patients of the control group ranged in age from 32 to 82 years (mean 61). Excision was successful in all cases. Lesion size ranged from 1 to 2.5 cm (average 1.5) and the average excised tissue volume was 35 cc. Mean operative time was 50 minutes (range 30-75 minutes). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to age (p = 0.2), operative time (p = 0.5), and total excised tissue volume (p = 0.5). The size of the lesions did have a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01). There were no perioperative complications. In conclusion, US-guided excision of nonpalpable breast lesions is a feasible and effective technique. US documents results immediately, is of minimal discomfort to the patient, avoids the need for preoperative localization, allows the entire procedure to be performed in the operating room, does not require radiation, and provides the surgeon with a useful alternative in selected cases.

Comparison of the use of enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin in patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization.

Present available studies suggest that heparin prevents early vessel thrombosis in the immediate postoperative (POP) period after lower extremity bypass. Long-term anticoagulation with warfarin has also been used in these patients, based on its beneficial effect in preventing long-term graft failure. To compare the effectiveness between unfractionated heparin (UH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin) when used as transitional therapeutic POP anticoagulant therapy, a prospective study was performed. Seventy consecutive patients undergoing lower extremity bypass were studied. The initial 35 patients were started on a drip of UH 6 hours POP. The next 35 consecutive patients were treated with enoxaparin, the first dose starting 6 hours POP. All patients underwent subsequent anticoagulation with oral warfarin. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to demographics, percentage of above/below the knee bypasses, type of conduit used, emergency operations, and overall complications. There was a significant difference in the length of stay (p = 0.05) in favor of the enoxaparin group, which also reflected a decreased overall cost in this group. In conclusion, POP anticoagulation with enoxaparin is as safe end effective as UH in patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization. Enoxaparin was associated with a decreased overall length of stay and hospital costs.

Primary breast lymphoma: 30 years of experience with diagnosis and treatment at a single medical center.

In our retrospective study covering the past 30 years at a tertiary cancer care institution, we review 30 patients with primary breast lymphoma (stage I or II) and analyze the different treatment modalities. All 30 patients had unilateral disease, and the median age was 67.5 years. Two patients refused treatment and, hence, were excluded from our study. Of the 28 remaining patients, 11 (39%) were treated with a single treatment modality, and 17 (61%) underwent different combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Seventeen patients underwent a surgical resection as the primary modality or as part of a multimodality therapy. Seven patients (25%) experienced a local or distal recurrence of the disease. Of these 7 patients, 6 underwent surgery as the primary treatment or as part of a combined treatment modality, and 1 underwent radiation therapy only. Eighteen patients (64%) died during the follow-up period ranging from 6 to 230 months, but only 5 of these 18 patients (28% [18% of all patients]) died of disease-specific causes. Of the 2 patients who were only treated with chemotherapy, 1 had primary breast lymphoma that never went into remission. In our study, surgery as the primary modality therapy or as part of a multimodality therapy for primary breast lymphoma is associated with a higher rate of treatment failure, whereas a combination of chemotherapy and local radiation therapy provides the best results. However, because our sample size is small, for such a rare neoplasm, definitive treatment recommendations are difficult to determine.