Prognostic value of phagocytic activity of neutrophils and monocytes in sepsis. Correlation to CD64 and CD14 antigen expression.

The role of the phagocytic function of monocytes and neutrophils in sepsis has been poorly investigated. The present study evaluated the impact of the phagocytic activity of neutrophils and monocytes on the outcome of patients with severe sepsis. Thirty-one patients and 30 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. The phagocytic activity of monocytes and neutrophils was evaluated during 24 h after admission and the results were correlated to the expression of CD64 on neutrophils and monocytes, CD14 antigen on monocytes, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and the patients' survival. A reduced phagocytic activity of neutrophils during the first 24 h after admission was a negative predictor for survival. Increased expression of CD64 antigen on polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and monocytes was favourably correlated to the patients' survival. In multivariate analysis the phagocytic activity of PMNs was the only independent predictor factor for survival. Patients with PMN phagocytic activity <37% had lower expression of CD64 on monocytes and PMNs and worse outcome, while those with phagocytic activity >37% had higher expression of CD64 on monocytes and PMNs and better outcome. Reduced phagocytic activity of neutrophils may represent a state of neutrophil inactivation similar to that previously described for monocytes during the compensatory anti-inflammatory response.

Luteinizing hormone receptor expression in leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata.

BACKGROUND: Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata has been attributed to estrogen stimulation and is seen only rarely in postmenopausal women. In such cases, pathogenesis is uncertain. CASE: Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata tumors were resected from a postmenopausal woman. She was receiving tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer and had bilateral ovarian Brenner tumors. Estrogen and progesterone receptors were detected. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that LH receptors were present. CONCLUSION: Luteinizing hormone receptors were identified in leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata in one woman. Levels of FSH and LH increase after menopause, and immunohistochemical analysis showed the presence of LH receptors, so gonadotropin rather than estrogen stimulation might have contributed to development of leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata in this uncommon case.

Mammary endocrine ductal carcinoma in situ: a case report.

Endocrine differentiation represents a pathway of neoplastic development available to a range of breast cancers. This pattern occurs in tumors with different morphological appearances as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), mucinous carcinoma, a variant of lobular carcinoma, and low-grade invasive ductal carcinoma. Endocrine ductal carcinoma in situ is an uncommon entity. It occurs in older women with a mean age of 70 years. Histologically it shows expansile intraductal growth forming solid sheets and festoons transversed by delicate fibrovascular septa. Conventional microscopy permits the diagnosis in most cases. Specialized techniques such as immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy can serve as the basis of diagnosis in the absence of the appropriate morphological features. We present a 68-year-old female with a 1.5-cm firm mobile nodule of the left breast. Mammography and ultrasounds showed a 15 x 15-mm circumscribed solid lobulated nodule. The mass was excised and pathology was positive for endocrine DCIS. Although endocrine DCIS has a biologic marker profile similar to that of well-differentiated or noncomedo DCIS it may constitute a different histogenetic pathway of carcinogenesis in the breast. The tumor may exhibit the invasive characteristics of a neuroendocrine neoplasm. Larger studies and longer follow-up are needed for the determination of the clinical behavior.

Unusually aggressive rectal carcinoid metastasizing to larynx, pancreas, adrenal glands, and brain.

Rectal carcinoids are slow-growing tumors. They metastasize when their size is more than 2 cm. Common sites of metastasis are the liver, lungs, and bones. Metastases to thyroid, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands, pituitary glands, posterior fossa, and spleen are very rare. We present the case of a 79-year-old white man with dysphagia and left vocal cord paralysis from a rapidly growing mass in his neck. Needle biopsy suggested thyroid anaplastic carcinoma, and the patient underwent total laryngectomy, total thyroidectomy, and left radical neck dissection. Pathology showed undifferentiated carcinoid of the larynx. Biopsy of a rectal mass suggested poorly differentiated carcinoma. Postoperatively the patient developed cardiac arrhythmias and died after 5 weeks. Autopsy showed a 5-cm carcinoid of the rectum with extensive vascular invasion extending into the perirectal fat. There was metastatic disease to both lungs, liver, pancreas, both adrenal glands, peritoneum, subcutaneous tissues of thorax and abdomen, ribs, vertebrae, skull, and the leptomeninges of the cerebrum. Rectal carcinoids may present a variable histologic picture. Poorly differentiated tumors can present with widespread metastases and have poor prognosis. Extensive surgery may not improve the survival of patients with this pattern of unusually aggressive carcinoid.

Leiomyosarcoma of the gallbladder: a case report.

Primary sarcoma of the gallbladder is a rare disease. The tumor occurs more frequently in women. Usually gallstones are present. Symptoms resemble those of cholelithiasis or cholecystitis. The diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively. The patient was a 51-year-old woman with a 2-month history of right upper quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, and a 10-pound weight loss. Ultrasound showed cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was converted to open as a result of dense tissue in the middle to distal gallbladder. Exploration by a right subcostal incision revealed multiple implants on the surface of the liver and the peritoneum of the upper abdomen. The wall of the gallbladder was very thick and inflamed. Cholecystectomy with liver biopsy was performed. Pathology revealed poorly differentiated epithelioid leiomyosarcoma of the gallbladder with extension to the liver. The disease followed a very aggressive course and the patient died 3 weeks after the procedure. Recommended treatment is extensive surgical resection that can be followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The tumor follows a very aggressive course, which often lasts a few weeks. Prognosis is poor with rare reported 5-year survivals.

Malar metastasis from rectal carcinoma: a case report.

Facial metastasis from colorectal carcinoma is extremely rare. Only two cases have been reported in the literature. This is the first reported case of malar metastasis from colon carcinoma. The patient was a 64-year-old, white woman who underwent a low anterior resection for a nearly obstructive carcinoma at 20 cm. Her chest X-ray revealed lung metastases. Postoperatively she was treated with fluorouracil and leucovorin. Twenty months later, she presented with left facial edema, which progressively increased in size. CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium showed a large soft tissue mass centered about the left anterior zygomatic arch. The platysma muscle was displaced laterally, and the masseter muscle was involved. There was extension into the masticator space and bony involvement of the zygomatic arch. True-cut biopsy of the left cheek revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma. Histology was similar to that of the primary rectal adenocarcinoma. Metastasis to the malar region is extremely rare. It is a grave prognostic sign, as it is associated with advanced terminal disease. Because of the widespread metastases, only palliative treatment can be provided.

Hemoperitoneum from spontaneous bleeding of a uterine leiomyoma: a case report.

Bleeding from uterine leiomyoma is a rare cause of hemoperitoneum. In most cases bleeding is a result of trauma or torsion. Spontaneous rupture of a superficial vein is extremely rare. Fewer than 100 cases have been reported. Our patient is a 44-year-old black woman who presented in the emergency room with acute onset of epigastric pain. Past medical and surgical history was not contributory except for a uterine "fibroid." In the emergency room, the patient's abdomen became diffusely tender. Her pregnancy test was negative, and the abdominal ultrasound showed fluid in the peritoneal cavity. The patient became hemodynamically unstable, and there was a significant drop of the hemoglobin/hematocrit. A surgical consultation was requested, and the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy. A subserosal uterine leiomyoma was found, with an actively bleeding vein on its dome. The leiomyoma was excised and 3 liters of blood and blood clots were evacuated from the peritoneal cavity. The patient was premenopausal and had a known leiomyoma. The clinical course was similar to that of previously reported cases. Although extremely rare, when there is no history of trauma, pregnancy, or other findings, spontaneous bleeding from uterine leiomyoma should be in the differential diagnosis. Emergent surgical intervention is recommended to establish the diagnosis and stop the hemorrhage.

Vena cava filter placement using a cutdown of the superficial epigastric vein.

Percutaneous placement of vena cava filters through the femoral vein has been associated with insertion site venous thrombosis. Reported incidence varies from 2% to 41%. In the majority of placements, sequential dilators are used to create the venotomy and subcutaneous tract. This technique disrupts all layers of the vein wall. The injured area may extend as far proximal as the dilator or sheath is placed. The authors present their experience with placement of vena cava filters using a cutdown of the superficial epigastric vein. During a 5-year period, 27 patients underwent placement of the LGM-Vena Tech vena cava filter via a femoral approach. A cutdown of the superficial epigastric vein was performed. The guidewire, dilator, and introducer sheath were inserted under direct fluoroscopic examination. After removal of the dilator, the LGM-Vena Tech filter was placed through the introducer. There were no wound infections and no clinical signs of insertion site venous thrombosis in the postoperative period. Insertion site venous thrombosis is a well-documented complication of percutaneous filter placement. Superficial epigastric vein cutdown is a reasonable alternative technique, which allows gentle atraumatic manipulation of the femoral vein. It is a simple, safe procedure that can be performed without any significant increase in operative time and no additional morbidity.

Use of a Fogarty catheter to open an incompletely expanded Vena Tech-LGM vena cava filter--a case report.

A Vena Tech-LGM 30D/U filter (B. Braun/Vena Tech; Evanston, IL) opened incompletely after transjugular placement in the infrarenal vena cava. The cephalic points of the stabilizing side rails were open and had engaged the caval wall. The base of the filter failed to open. The filter would not successfully inhibit the clots and could possibly migrate. The filter base was not placed in a clot as shown with intraoperative venography before and after the placement. The balloon of a 6F Fogarty catheter was used successfully to dilate the distal legs of the filter, and fully expand the base.

Laparoscopic treatment of two patients with omental infarction mimicking acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Omental infarction is a rare entity that usually causes symptoms similar to those of appendicitis. Ultrasound or computerized tomography scan can diagnose omental infarction preoperatively. METHODS: We treated two patients with omental infarction by performing a laparoscopic omentectomy in each one. RESULTS: The pathology verified the operative diagnosis, and both patients were discharged home on the first postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Omental infarction can be accurately diagnosed and safely treated with laparoscopy. Key Words: Laparoscopy, Omental infarction, Acute abdominal pain.

Laparoscopic pyloroplasty in idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in an adult.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, in adults, is a rare disease. Partial gastrectomy, gastroenterostomy, pyloromyotomy, pyloroplasty and endoscopic dilatation have all been recommended with variable results. A 54-year-old white female is presented with the onset of symptoms of idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis one year prior to operation. Two endoscopic pyloric sphincter balloon dilatations provided only temporary relief. METHOD: A laparoscopic pyloroplasty was performed. RESULT: The patient tolerated a solid diet on postoperative day three. The patient was symptom-free at a 13 month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in adults can be treated with laparoscopic pyloroplasty, offering a minimally invasive alternative to open repair.

Mammographic findings following reduction mammoplasty.

Breast reduction mammoplasty is becoming an increasingly common procedure. A baseline mammogram is recommended after 35 years of age as the most effective method for detection of small breast cancers. A prospective study was conducted for the evaluation of the mammographic findings after reduction mammoplasty. During the last 7 years, 113 patients over 35 years of age underwent bilateral reduction mammoplasty. All patients had a preoperative mammogram. A new mammogram was obtained at 6 and 18 months after the procedure. All films were reviewed by the same two radiologists. Breast reduction was performed with the vertical bipedicle flap technique (McKissock) and the inferior pedicle technique. There were no apparent differences in the findings between the two methods. Most common findings were parenchymal redistribution in 102 (90.2%) and elevation of the nipple in 96 (84.9%), produced by a shift of the breast tissue to a lower position. Calcifications were seen in 29 (25.6%), and "oil cysts" in 22 (19.4%), caused by localized fat necrosis. A retroareolar fibrotic band was found in 23 (20.3%), from the transposed flap. Areolar thickening was observed in six (5.3%), and skin thickening in only two (1.7%), from scar tissue. Mammographic findings after reduction mammoplasty are predictable, thus preventing unnecessary biopsies and making the diagnosis of lesions unrelated to the procedure easier. All patients over 35 years of age should have a preoperative and a postoperative mammogram for future reference.

Testicular metastasis from ileal carcinoid: report of a case.

PURPOSE: This report presents a patient with testicular metastasis from an ileal carcinoid. METHODS: This was a retrospective case review with literature review. RESULTS: The patient underwent right orchiectomy for a solid mass. Pathology revealed carcinoid tumor. Octreotide scan showed increased concentration in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Computerized tomography results were negative. Colonoscopy with biopsy revealed carcinoid of the terminal ileum. The patient underwent an elective resection of the terminal ileum and the right colon. Pathology revealed carcinoid tumor with vascular and lymphatic invasion present, and eight lymph nodes were positive. The patient had adjuvant treatment with octreotide. CONCLUSION: Carcinoid tumors have been reported to metastasize to numerous areas. This is the first report of testicular metastasis from ileal carcinoid. Primary carcinoids of the testicle have been reported also. The clinician should be aware of this rare metastatic event. When pathology reveals carcinoid of the testicle, metastatic disease should be excluded before the tumor is identified as primary.

Double-layer everted saphenous vein patch angioplasty for carotid endarterectomy.

Saphenous vein patch angioplasty is the preferred method of closure of the arteriotomy site during carotid endarterectomies. A major early complication of the saphenous vein patch is rupture of the patch which can occur within the first few postoperative days. The reported incidence varies from 0.5% to 4%. Patch rupture can result in stroke or death. From May 1992 to April 1999, autogenous everted double-layer saphenous vein patch was used in 192 carotid endarterectomies performed on 168 patients; 96 males and 72 females. The age range was from 54 to 94 years with a mean age of 73 years. The saphenous vein is harvested from the ankle. It is everted and then used as a double-layer patch. The follow-up period was from 3 to 74 months, with a mean of 24 months. Postoperatively, there were no patch ruptures or late aneurysm formation. There was no perioperative mortality. Everted double-layer saphenous vein patch eliminates the risk of patch rupture and at the same time retains the benefits of an autologous nonprosthetic graft. Saphenous vein from the ankle can be safely used for carotid angioplasty as a double layer patch.

Predictors of hemostatic failure after adrenaline injection in patients with peptic ulcers with non-bleeding visible vessel.

BACKGROUND: Non-bleeding visible vessel (NBVV) in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer is associated with a high risk of rebleeding. The aim of this study was to define factors associated with failure of endoscopic hemostasis and rebleeding in patients with NBVV. METHODS: Clinical and endoscopic parameters related to failure of endoscopic hemostasis with adrenaline in 191 bleeding peptic ulcer patients with NBVV were evaluated. RESULTS: Endoscopic hemostasis was permanently successful in 154 patients (80.6%). Emergency surgical hemostasis for rebleeding was required in 37 patients (19.4%). Univariate analysis showed that therapeutic failure was significantly related to the presence of shock on admission (P=0.003), posterior duodenal ulcers (P=0.001), peptic ulcer history (P=0.001), previous peptic ulcer bleeding (P=0.002), or lack of history of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs consumption, when compared to use of such drugs (P=0.04). Patients where therapy failed had lower hemoglobin levels at admission (7.8+/-1.9 g/dL versus 10+/-2.4 g/dL, P=0.005). In a multivariate analysis low hemoglobin (P<0.001) as well as history of previous peptic ulcer bleeding (P=0.002) and posterior duodenal ulcers (P=0.001) were negative predictors. Using the mean value of hemoglobin as the cut-off point, it is noteworthy that only 2 out of 81 patients (2.5%) who had none of these predictive factors required emergency surgical hemostasis, whereas 34 out of 110 patients (30.9%) with at least one predictive factor required emergency surgery. CONCLUSION: It is possible, by employing specific characteristics, to define a subgroup of high-risk patients for rebleeding in patients with NBVV despite therapeutic endoscopy and thus candidates for a complementary endoscopic method of hemostasis or emergency surgical intervention.