Massive splenomegaly due to B-cell lymphoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Massive splenomegaly is indicated by spleen weight exceeding 1000 g and largest spleen dimension greater than 20 cm Poulin et al. (1998). In many cases, splenectomy is the treatment of choice for massive splenomegaly because it releases the pressure on adjacent organs and also provides a definitive histopathological diagnosis of the underlying cause Iriyama et al. (2010), Radhakrishnan (2018). PRESENTATION OF CASE: Herein we present a clinical case of disseminated diffuse large B - cell lymphoma, clinical stage IV, with massive splenomegaly. A 53 - year old man complaining of unintentional major weight loss, palpable abdominal mass in the left hemiabdomen and cervical lymphadenopathy, was admited to Department of abdominal surgery, UMC Ljubljana. Abdominal CT scan showed massive spleen, enlarged retroperitoneal and upper mediastinal lymph nodes and cervical lymphadenopathy. Splenectomy was performed and spleen was sent on histological analysis. Operation and postoperative course were uneventful. Spleen specimen weighed 5034 g (6% of patient body weight) and measured 33 × 24 × 10 cm. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis set the diagnosis of diffuse large B - cell lymphoma. Patients received 5 cycluses of R-CHOP chemotherapy and 2 cycluses of prophylactic intrathecal chemotherapy postoperatively. DISCUSSION: Splenomegaly in combination with weight loss and malaise is very suggestive of underlying neoplastic condition and therefore requires further diagnostic investigations Han et al. (2008). Splenectomy in combination with adjuvant chemotherapy is the treatment of choice in case of spleen infiltration rith tumorous cells of B-cell lymphoma. However there are other possibilities in diagnosing and treatment of massive splenomegaly, including percutaneous image guided splenic needle biopsy and splenic artery embolisation prior to splenectomy. CONCLUSION: Our aim with this case report is to present splenectomy in conjuction with chemotherapy as a safe option of treatment for massive splenomegaly due to B-cell lymphoma infiltration.

Balkan endemic nephropathy and papillary transitional cell tumors of the renal pelvis and ureters.

Papillary transitional cell tumors of the renal pelvis and ureters occur more frequently in the Balkan countries than in other areas in the world. The populations involved are the same as those who are at risk to develop Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN). Seventy-seven patients were treated in the Urology Clinic for papillary cell tumors of the renal pelvis and ureters (UTT) from 1986 to 1988. Forty-four of the patients were from areas where BEN is endemic. The at-risk population is estimated to be less than 2% of the control population. Eleven of the 77 were on hemodialysis when UTT were detected, and all but one of those were from BEN areas. This finding emphasizes the need for continual monitoring of end-stage renal disease patients for evidence of these tumors. Comparing the frequency of the tumors from our study (1986 to 1988) with that of early studies indicates that the risk of developing the tumors remains very high in the BEN areas. We conclude that the causative agent(s) is still prevalent in the involved areas.

Fluid intake and bladder cancer. A case control study.

To examine the relation of the total intake of fluids and the types of beverages to the risk of bladder cancer, we conducted a hospital based case-control study with 130 newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients and the same number of matched controls. Information of total fluid intake was derived from the reported frequency of consumption of the different types of beverages on the food frequency questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in statistical analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between the cases and the controls in total daily fluid intake. Multivariate logistic regression model showed consumption of: soda (OR=8.32; 95%CI=3.18-21.76), coffee (OR=1.46; 95%CI=1.05-2.01) and spirits (OR=1.15; 95%CI=1.04-1.28) as statistically significant risk factors, while mineral water (OR=0.52; 95%CI=0.34-0.79), skim milk (OR=0.38; 95%CI=0.16-0.91), yogurt (OR=0.34; 95%CI=0.12-0.97) and frequency of daily urination (OR=0.27; 95%CI=0.18-0.41) were statistically significant protective variables. In our study no statistically significant association was observed for total fluid intake. The findings suggest consumption of soda, coffee and spirits were indicated as a risk factors for bladder cancer, while mineral water, skim milk, yogurt and frequency of urination as protective factors for bladder cancer.

Antibodies detected in samples from 21,730 pregnant women.

Although anti-D is still the main cause of HDN, many other antibodies have been implicated. From September 1995 to April 2000,screening for RBC antibodies was performed on samples from 21,730 pregnant women regardless of RhD type. Standard tube and gel methods were used. Anti-D was identified in 254 samples; other antibody specificities were detected in 376 samples, for a total of 630 antibodies. For this study, 522 antibodies were considered clinically significant. The incidence of potentially clinically significant antibodies was 2.4 percent. The majority belonged to the Rh system, followed by anti-M, -Fya, -S, -Jka, and -Jkb. Among antibodies of no clinical significance, the most frequent were anti- H, -Lea, and -P1.

[Comparison of upper urinary tract tumors in the region of Balkan nephropathy with those of other regions of Yugoslavia]. / Comparaison des tumeurs du haut appareil urinaire dans la région de la néphropathie balkanique avec celles d'autres régions de Yougoslavie.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the epidemiological and histological characteristics of upper urinary tract tumours in the region of Balkan endemic nephropathy with those of urothelial tumours observed in other regions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1970 to 1997, 766 patients were treated in the Belgrade Department of Urology for an upper urinary tract tumour. These patients were derived from 3 regions: the region of Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), the region of probable Balkan endemic nephropathy (PBEN) and the region without Balkan endemic nephropathy (WBEN). The incidence of tumours in BEN + PBEN patients was 68% versus 32% for WBEN patients. The histological and epidemiological characteristics of the tumours in these three groups were compared. RESULTS: Tumours were more frequent in women in the BEN and PBEN groups (1.2:1 and 1.1:1) than in the WBEN group (0.6:1). The tumour was diagnosed an average of 5 years later in the first 2 groups than in the WBEN group (p < 0.05). The BEN and PBEN groups presented a higher incidence of renal failure (45% and 35%), but especially a much higher incidence of bilateral tumours (13% and 6%) than in the WBEN region (2%). CONCLUSION: Our analysis shows that upper urinary tract tumours depend on geographical factors: the incidence of these tumours is significantly higher in regions of BEN and PBEN, women are more frequently affected, tumours are associated with a high incidence of renal failure, bilateral tumours are more frequent, and tumours are more frequent in older patients. Comparison of the histological and pathological characteristics of the tumours did not reveal any significant difference between these three regions.

[Tumors of the upper urinary tract: results of conservative surgery]. / Tumeurs de la voie excrétrice supérieure: résultats de la chirurgie conservatrice.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the results of conservative surgery for upper urinary tract urothelial tumours. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1986 to 1997, 352 patients were treated in the Belgrade urology clinic for upper urinary tract urothelial tumour. 54 patients (15.3%) were treated by conservative surgery. The sex ratio was 1.3 men for 1 woman. The mean age was 63 years. In most cases, the tumour was situated in the ureter. Conservative surgery was performed on principle in 60% of patients for a small isolated lesion (solitary low-stage, low-grade tumour). In contrast, in about 40% of cases, conservative surgery was performed by necessity due to the presence of bilateral tumours, a solitary kidney or renal failure related to Balkan nephropathy. The median follow-up was 67.3 months (range: 6 months-14 years). RESULTS: 15.8% of patients developed a local recurrence during the follow-up period. The risk of recurrence was higher when conservative surgery was performed for indications of necessity than when it was performed on principle (21.7% versus 11.8%), but the difference was not statistically significant (c2 test, t test). The stage and grade of differentiation were identified as the most significant predictive factors for the risk of local recurrence. The overall 5-year survival rate was 67% with more favourable results in the case of conservative surgery performed on principle compared conservative surgery by necessity (72% versus 60%). The difference between these results was not statistically significant, but a statistically significant difference was observed for tumour stage and grade (grade III versus grade I and II, pT3 versus pT1, pT2). The 5-year survival probability was 68.5%. Recurrence was most likely to occur during the early postoperative course, as 81.56% occurred during the first 18 months. CONCLUSION: Urothelial tumours can be managed conservatively. However, the risk of recurrence is directly correlated with the tumour stage and grade, with a high level of statistical significance, and with the type of indication for conservative surgery performed, but with no statistically significant difference.

Zometa in the treatment of diseminated prostate cancer.

Zoledronic acid is the first bisphosphonat that confirms the a efficacy in the treatment of bone metastases in prostate carcinoma. That is the most potent bisphosphonat up to date which safe and simple administration. Zometa is strong inhibitor of osteoclast activity.

[Diet in bladder cancer ethiopathogenesis].

The aim of this paper is to show influence of different foods on bladder cancer appearance, as well as possible consequent ways of prevention. Consuption of food rich in animal fat and cholesterol, fried foods, especially several times used cookin oil for frying, processed meat with additives (nitrates, nitrites, azo-colourrs) can influence bladder cancer occurrence. Regularly, continous consumption of fermented milk products, which contains come types of milky--acids bacterias, is considered as protective factor in developing bladder cancer. Reports that fruit and vegetable are protective food items are pretty consistent. Data about mineral intake and bladder cancer are obscure.

Histopathological evaluation of radical prostatectomy in the treatment of localized prostate cancer.

Incidence of prostate cancer has risen dramatically in the past decade. Radical prostatectomy is indicated in patients who have disease localized to the prostate. The aim of the study is to make histopathological evaluation of radical prostatectomy in the treatment local prostate cancer. Authors analyzed 49 cases of radical prostatectomy due to cancer localized to the prostate in period 1996-2000 in Clinic of Urology in Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade. The average age of the patients was 65, 6 years (range 44-76, pick 61-70). The most cases 25 (51%, p < 0.001) we found in pT2a N0M0, in pT2b N1M0 9 (18.36%), in pT3bN0M0 10 (20.4%), in pT3bN1M0 3 (6.12%), in pT4aN0M0 2 (4.08%). Nodal status positive was in 12 cases: 9 (18%) in pT2bN1M0- iliac 3 (right 2, left 1), obturatory 6 (right 1, left 5) and 3 cases in pT3bN1M0-iliac left 1 and obturatory 2 (1 right and 1 left). We found Gleason score 8 in 9 cases (18.36%) in pT2bN1M0 versus 7 cases (14.5%) without nodal metastases. Gleason score 9 we found in 3 cases (6.1%) in pT3bN1M0 versus one case without nodal metastases (difference is not significant). Gleason score 3 was in 6.1%, 4 in 12.2%, 5 in 8.1%, 6 in 16, 3%, 7 in 24.5%. Grade 1 of tumors we found in 9 cases (18%), grade 2 in 11 (22%), grade 3 in 29 (60%). HG PIN was in 18 cases (36.7%), LG PIN in 10 (20.4%). In all cases was elevated PSA: 4-10 mmol/L in 24 pts, 11-20 in 15 pts and > 20 in 10 pts. Radical prostatectomy is most adequate method in surgical treatment cancer localized in the prostate. Pelvic lymphadenectomy is necessary for staging purposes in adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Early detection adenocarcinoma of the prostate is important factor in decreasing rate of death.

Glutathione S-transferase T1-1 activity upregulated in transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic functional investigation of different glutathione S-transferase (GST) classes, including GST class Theta (GSTT) member GSTT1-1, in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and the surrounding normal uroepithelium of the same individuals. Recently, it was suggested that GSTT1-1 might be an important risk modulator for TCC. METHODS: Tumor samples and surrounding normal uroepithelium were obtained from 24 patients with TCC of urinary bladder. The following substrates with differential specificities were used: 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene for overall GST activity; 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole for GST Alpha; 1,2-dichloro-4-nitro-benzene for GST Mu; 4-vinylpyridine for GST Pi 1-1(GSTP1-1); and 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)propane for GSTT1-1. RESULTS: GSTP1-1 and GSTT1-1 activities were demonstrated in all uroepithelial and TCC samples, and GST Mu activity was detectable in 11 of 24 patients. In the tumor specimens, significant upregulation of all expressed GST subtypes was observed. The mean GSTP1-1 and GSTT1-1 level in TCC was increased 2-fold and 3.6-fold, respectively, compared with the mean level in the normal uroepithelium (P <0.001). Tumor GSTT1-1 activities correlated statistically significantly with the tumor stage (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In tumors and adjacent normal uroepithelium of patients with TCC, three major cytosolic GST classes, Mu, Pi, and Theta, were expressed. Although the GST isoenzyme pattern in TCC was similar to that of the corresponding normal uroepithelium, during cancer progression a clear tendency toward an increase in all the GST subtypes expressed was noted. For the first time, distinct GSTT1-1 activity levels were demonstrated in human uroepithelium, as well as its pronounced upregulation in TCC.

[Quality of life in patients with tumors of the upper urothelium and indications for conservative surgery]. / Kvalitet zivota bolesnika sa tumorom gornjeg urotelijuma kao indikacija za primenu konzervirajucih operacija.

The motives for performing conservation surgery in tumors of the upper urinary tract are progressive renal failure associated with those tumors, frequent bilateral tumors, and tumors on solitary kidney, which does not always comply with the patho-anatomic characteristics of the tumor and possibilities of this type of surgery. The aim of the study was to separate the real indications for the application of this therapy, independently of the expected quality of life after the operation. Out of 682 patients with upper urothelial tumor conservation surgery was performed in 161 patients. The indications were characterized as "real", oncologic in 121 patient, and in 40 patients (25%) the main reason was preservation of quality of life. During the five-year follow-up period recurrence developed in 17% of patients in the group with oncologic indications, "real" indications, and in as much as 40% of patients from the group in with the main reason was preservation of quality of life. Thus, the oncologic indications must be primary in reaching the decision for conservation surgery in tumors of the upper urinary tract, and the quality of life should be an additional motive for this therapy.

Renal allograft implantation in respect of atypical vascular procedures.

In minority of renal transplants it is unevitable to perform atypical vascular procedures of renal allograft implantation, which increases the risk of vascular complications, graft loss and lethality. In the presenting study, we retrospectively evaluated kinds of atypical vascular procedures in renal allograft implantation by donor type and the transplants outcome related to these procedures. From 1980 to 1998, a total of 463 patients (mean age 36.2+/-10.3), underwent renal transplantation (319 from living donor and 144 from cadaveric donor) at the Institute of Urology & Nephrology in Belgrade. Atypical vascular procedures of renal allograft implantation were representative for the some of the following cohorts: bypass grafting, endarterectomy, end to side both arterial and venous anastomotic site. A total of 45 patients (9.72%) underwent some of atypical vascular procedures (41 from living donor and 4 from cadaveric donor) (p<0.01). Among analyzed procedures, bypass grafting was performed in majority of cases (n=38). A total of 101 patients underwent endarterectomy. End to side both arterial and venous anastomotic site was done in two patients. Severe direct postoperative vascular complications following by lethal outcome appeared in 2 patients. Related to standardized, atypical vascular procedures had been of increased risk for appearance of severe vascular complication.

[Detection of antibodies to cytomegaloviruses, herpes simplex viruses and varicella-zoster viruses in persons positive for human immunodeficiency virus antibodies]. / Nalaz antitela prema cytomegalovirusima, herpes simpleks virusu i virusu varicela zoster kod osoba s pozitivnim antitelima na virus humane imunodeficijencije.

Forty-seven anti-HIV positive sera and 47 sera of normal individuals were analyzed to the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies versus CMV, HSV and VZ. IgG antibodies in comparison to CMV were found in 27 cases (57.44%); in comparison to HSV in 40 (85.1%) subject and to VZ in 33 anti-HIV positive subjects. The mean absorbance value was higher in anti-HIV positive cases than in controls. IgM antibodies in comparison to CMV were found in 3, and in comparison to HSV in 2 anti-HIV positive sera. No IgM antibodies were found in the control group.

[Use of leukocyte-depleted blood in patients treated with hemodialysis]. / Primena deleukocitovane krvi kod bolesnika lecenih hemodijalizama.

Red cells depleted of white cells can prevent febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions and may reduce or delay alloimmunization of HLA antigens and the transfusion of various viruses. Twenty-three patients maintained on hemodialysis who had febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions were analysed between 1976 and 1994. This reaction was first noticed in patients diagnosed with chronic glomerulonephritis approximately after receiving 7.5 transfusions. The patients were treated with washed red cells from 1976 to 1988 and from this period to 1994 tewy were treated with filtered red cells via Sepacell R500-A. With the use of these preparations, the febrile nonhemolytic reaction was eliminated. The latest advances in transfusiology include the preparation of all blood components without leukocytes.

[Kidney transplantation in Bombay]. / Transplantacije bubrega u Bombaju.

The paper presents results of renal transplantation from a living unrelated donor in Bombay. Within the past three years 15 patients reported themselves at our Clinic immediately upon renal transplantation from a living unrelated donor, 7 of whom were women and 8 men, 17 to 52 years of age. There were no data on previous pretransplantation processing for the majority of patients, and treatment by repeated hemodialyses in 46.7% of patients lasted less than a year, which increased the risk of transplantation. On admission at our clinic, nine patients had satisfactory renal function, four patients moderate insufficiency and two advanced insufficiency. The most frequent complications occurring in these patients were various forms of infections. A three-year follow-up of these patients showed at the results of renal transplantation in Bombay were unsatisfactory, and the survival rate of the patients and the graft was far too worse that the one in Europe, that is at our Centre.

[A severe form of falciparum malaria associated with staphylococcal endocarditis]. / Teska forma faliciparum malarije udruzene sa stafilokoknim endokarditisom.

A case is presented of a patient, aged 56 years, with severe form of imported malaria caused by Plasmodia falciparum. Hyperparasitemia of erythrocytes > 30% was registered, and during the course of the disease CNS dysfunction, severe anemia, acute renal failure, disseminated intravenous coagulation with manifest hemorrhagic syndrome, icterus, enterocolitis, pneumonia and staphylococcal endocarditis were developed Due to hyperparasitemia and numerous complications, antimalarial drugs such as quinidine (1,200 mg/day) and artemether (160 mg/day) were administered parenterally. Infected erythrocytes were exchanged with 2.5 litres of healthy erythrocytes suspension. Hemodialysis was also performed as well as nine-week antistaphylococcal therapy. During the treatment preparation of deplasmated blood, concentrated thrombocytes, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitates, human albumins and immunoglobulins were applied, along with the correction of electrolytic dysbalance, administration of diuretic, cardiotonic, antiarrhythmic, anxiolytic, antipsychotic and antidepressive drugs. Two months after the admission the patient was released from the Clinic in good condition, with normal clinical-laboratory findings.

[Acute transfusion-related lung injury]. / Akutno ostecenje pluca izazvano transfuzijom (transfusion related acute lung injury--TRALI).

Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) is the most serious, potentially lethal, transfusion reaction caused by anti leukocyte antibodies carried passively into recipient's circulation by transfused haemoproduct. It is manifested most frequently within first four hours after transfusion of allogenous haemoproduct containing anti leukocyte antibodies. It is characterized with symptoms and signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome. This rare, but severe transfusion reaction with mortality rate of around 10% is often misdiagnosed, since TRALI signs are assigned to other clinical conditions. Thus, an education for timely recognition and urgent care of TRALI should be initiated.

[Successful treatment of echinococcal kidney disease with a combination of albendazole administration and percutaneous drainage]. / Uspesno lecenje ehinokokne bolesti bubrega kombinovanom primenom albendazola i perkutane drenaze.

Primary echinococcosis of the kidney, with no involvement of other organs is very rare manifestation of hydatid disease in humans. Until few years ago surgical treatment was the only therapeutical choice in patients suffering from this disease. This is a case report of a patient with large hydatid cyst of the left kidney. The patient was successfully treated with albendazole and percutaneous drainage of the cyst.

[Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever]. / Krimska-kongo hemoragijska grozinica.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever was for the first time recognized in Yugoslavia in 1971. In this paper were presented clinical and laboratory findings of a patient infected with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Kosovo in 1999. The disease was manifested with fever, headache, vomiting, myalgia, abdominal pain, pharyngitis, conjuctival injection, diarrhoea, hypotension, gingival bleeding, skin hemorrhages, hematuria, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, jaundice, thrombocytopenia, prolonged prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time, high serum fibrinogen degradation product, leukocytosis, mild anemia, elevated levels of bilirubin and serum aminotransferases. Diagnosis was set clinically, epidemiologically and supported by serological tests. Supportive management of hypotension, multi-organ failure, coagulation disturbances the patient was of the utmost in the treatment together with the isolation and prophylactic measures.

[Contamination of IgG preparation for intravenous use with IgA. I. Development of ELISA tests for determination of low concentrations of IgAc, IgA1, IgA2, IgG and IgM]. / Kontaminacija imunoglobulinima A preparata imunoglobulina G3A intravensku upotrebu. I) Razvoj postupaka enzimskog imunoeseja za merenje niskih koncentracija imunoglobulina A1, A2, G i M.

Very low amounts of immunoglobulin contaminants present in preparations of immunoglobulin G for intravenous use (IVIG) require sophysticated procedures for detection of such low concentrations in milieu of comparatively very high level of IgG. Standard RID and nephelometry procedures are not adequate for these purposes. In process of removal of IgA contamination from IVIG, which is currently under development in Blood Transfusion Institute, Belgrade, it is necessary to have senzitive and very specific procedures for determination of and follow up of very low concentrations of IgA remauning in IVIG. We have established a highly senzitive and specific ELISA precedures for determination of very low concentrations of total IgA (IgAc), IgA1, IgA2, IgG and IgM. Commercial standards of IgAc, IgA1, IgA2, IgG and IgM were bound to PVC plates coated with corresponding monoclonal antibodies anti IgAc-IgA1, anti-IgG and anti-IgM. Resulting standard curves have shown high correlation coeficients with limited range of detection (two orders of magnitude in nanogram range). Very high specificity of ELISA tests were obtained due to the highly specific monoclonal antibodies used. Very high specificity and very low detection level of developed tests are advantageous compared to standard procedures for Ig concentration determination.