Expression of E-cadherin in human colorectal cancer.

AIM: To investigate the expression of E-cadherin, a calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule in colorectal carcinoma. Antibodies to E-Cadherin were used to establish the association of their expression with the clinicopathological characteristics of this disease using immunohistochemical methods. METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis for E-cadherin was carried out in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of neoplastic colorectal tissues and non-neoplastic ones adjacent to the lesion from 49 patients who underwent surgery, by the standard peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. Expression of this antigen in normal and malignant epithelium and stromal cells was compared. RESULTS: Both neoplastic and normal tissues showed expression of E-cadherin. There was, however, higher expression of E-cadherin in epithelial cells in both tumour and normal tissues than stromal cells. The percentage of expression in epithelial cells of well-differentiated tumours was significantly higher than moderately differentiated tumours. Loss of normal membranous expression and the presence of cytoplasmic and mixed staining were found frequently in tumour tissues (p = 0.004). This loss of membranous expression, however, did not correlate with Duke's staging, tumour grade, sex, size or site of the tumour. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the lower expression of E-cadherin in less differentiated tumours may explain their aggressive nature, although loss of membranous expression was not significantly correlated to Duke's staging, tumour grade, sex, size and site of tumour.

Effect of topical and systemic antibiotics on bacterial growth kinesis in generalized peritonitis in man.

Quantitative bacteriology in peritoneal exudate was studied in 40 patients with generalized peritonitis of small intestinal, appendicular or colonic origin. Bacterial growth kinesis was measured in 28 of the patients. Systemic antibiotics given before operation resulted in a significant reduction in both the concentration and growth rate of viable bacteria in the peritoneal fluid. Lavage of the peritoneal cavity with saline resulted in a further reduction in growth rate in patients given pre-operative systemic antibiotics by an effect attributable to simple dilution. In contrast, peritoneal lavage with tetracycline (1 mg/ml) resulted in complete inhibition of bacterial growth in the residual peritoneal fluid. These observations support the policy of giving systemic antibiotics to patients with generalized peritonitis as soon as the diagnosis has been made and provide bacteriological evidence for the value of peroperative antibiotic peritoneal lavage.

Abdominal tuberculosis.

Forty-two cases of abdominal tuberculosis seen between June 1984 and June 1988 at Amiri Hospital in Kuwait were reviewed retrospectively. The clinical diagnosis was correct in only 35%. Nine patients presented as an emergency, but in none was a diagnosis of tuberculosis considered. Abdominal pain and tenderness were the commonest clinical findings; "doughy abdomen" and a mass in right iliac fossa were uncommon. Thus, symptoms were vague, signs nonspecific and investigations nonpathognomonic. In spite of this, abdominal tuberculosis should be considered in any patient who has obscure abdominal symptoms, weight loss and lethargy. Laparoscopy and colonoscopy with biopsy for histologic and bacteriologic study led to a definitive diagnosis in 66% of cases, obviating the need for exploratory laparotomy in many. Histologic examination was the surest way to establish the diagnosis.

Fine needle aspiration cytology in isolated thyroid swellings: a prospective two year evaluation.

During 1 September 1981 to August 1982 aspiration cytology was carried out in all isolated thyroid swellings referred to the Aberdeen Thyroid Clinic: cytological findings were not disclosed, did not influence management, and were compared retrospectively with the histological diagnosis. In a total of 70 swellings sensitivity for the detection of neoplasia was 86% and overall accuracy 92%; the positive predictive value was 80% and negative predictive value 96%. During the second year (1 September 1982 to 31 August 1983), when cytological findings were used to influence management, the frequency of operation for isolated thyroid swellings decreased by 25% and the proportion of operations for neoplasia increased from 31% to 50%. In terms of bed occupancy the potentially avoidable surgical workload for benign disease was reduced by 34%. Aspiration cytology, carried out at the first clinic attendance, makes a sound basis for selective surgery and leads to economy in the management of isolated thyroid swellings.

Unusual presentations of abdominal tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To review unusual presenting features and diagnostic difficulties of abdominal tuberculosis in an endemic region. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study from 1984 to 1989, illustrated by case reports. SETTING: A single hospital in Kuwait. PATIENTS: Fifty patients with abdominal tuberculosis established by the standard histologic and bacteriologic demonstration of acid-fast bacilli or tuberculous granulomas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Site of disease and unusual features at presentation. RESULTS: Tubercular lesions are most commonly seen in the ileocecal region. They are also common in the ileum but are less common in the appendix and jejunum. Involvement of the ascending colon, rectum and upper gastrointestinal tract is rare. Abdominal tuberculosis presents in many ways depending on the degrees of ulceration, fibrous healing, infection and caseating abscess formation. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal tuberculosis should be considered in immigrants from regions where this disease is endemic who present with abdominal signs and symptoms. Imaging studies, endoscopy and laparoscopy may preclude laparotomy for the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis. Antituberculosis chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment.