ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aberrant promoter hypermethylation of p16(INK4a), as a tumor suppressor gene, is contributory factor to non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). However, its potential diagnostic impact of lung cancer is unclear. This study measured the level of p16(INK4a) promoter hypermethylation in the sputum and blood, and compared this with the level measured in the tissue obtained from NSCLC and pulmonary inflammation. METHODS: Of the patients who visited the Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Incheon, Korea for an evaluation of a lung mass and underwent blood, sputum, and tissue tests, 23patients (18 NSCLC, 5 pulmonary inflammation) were enrolled in this study. DNA was extracted from each sample and the level of p16(INK4a) methylation was determined using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: p16(INK4a) methylation of the blood was observed in 88.9% (16 of 18) and 20.0% (1 of 5) of NSCLC and from pulmonary inflammation samples, respectively (P=0.008). Methylation of the sputum was observed in 83.3% (10 of 12) 80.0% (4 of 5) of NSCLC and pulmonary inflammation samples, respectively (P=1.00). Among the 8 NSCLC tissue samples, methylation changes were detected in 75.0% of samples (6 cases). Four out of seven tissue samples (57.1%) showed concordance, being methylated in both the blood and sputum. CONCLUSIONS: There was a higher level of p16(INK4a) methylation of the blood from NSCLC patients than from pulmonary inflammation. The tissue showed a high concordance with the blood in the NSCLC samples. These findings suggest that p16(INK4a) promoter hypermethylation of the blood can used to discriminate between NSCLC and pulmonary inflammation.
Subject(s)
Humans , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 , DNA , Genes, Tumor Suppressor , Korea , Lung , Lung Neoplasms , Methylation , Pneumonia , Polymerase Chain Reaction , SputumABSTRACT
Rhino-orbital mucormycosis is the most frequently fatal fungal infection commonly occurring in patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and and those who are immunocompromised, and requires prompt treatment. We describe a case of rhino-or-bital mucormycosis with orbital cellulitis and paranasal sinusitis, as seen on initial MR images, which on follow-up images had evol ved to orbitofacial infarction. MR imaging was useful for the demonstration of orbitofacial infarction, seen as areas of lack of enhancement and thus suggesting vascular invo l vement by mucor hyphae.