Merkel cell carcinoma metastatic to the testis: report of a rare diagnosis and review of the literature

Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy that frequently recurs/disseminates, but metastases to the genitourinary tract are rare. Only eight cases of Merkel cell carcinoma metastatic to the testis are reported. We describe the ninth case of this event and provide a review of the literature. A 58-year-old man diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma of the wrist, presented, 37 months later, a recurrence in the form of a testicular metastasis. The tumor consisted of a monotonous proliferation of small, blue, round cells, with immunoexpression of neuroendocrine markers and the typical dot-like paranuclear immunostaining for cytokeratin 20, in the absence of immunostaining for cytokeratin 7. The patient is alive with no evidence of disease. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of metastatic dissemination to the testis since genital examination/imaging is not part of routine follow-up for these patients, but timely orchiectomy may be curative.

Results of Total Cervical Disc Replacement with a Minimum Follow-up of 10 Years / Resultados da artroplastia total de disco cervical com acompanhamento mínimo de 10 anos

Abstract Objective In the present study, we present the results with at least 10 years of follow-up of the cervical disc prosthesis implanted in a single level. Methods Retrospective study of patients undergoing single-level total cervical disc replacement (TCDR). Clinical results included the neck disability index (NDI) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) in the preoperative period, one year postoperatively, and a minimum of 10 years of follow-up. The radiographic parameters included cervical mobility, segmental lordosis, C2-C7 angle, heterotopic ossification (HO), facet and joint degeneration (FJD) and adjacent segment disease (ASD). Results We identified 22 patients, 16 women and 6 men with mean age of 39.7 years old (26-51 years old), of which fifteen completed a minimum follow-up of 10 years. There was a statistically significant improvement of NDI and VAS (p < 0.001) between the preoperative and the postoperative periods (1 year or > 10 years). At the end of 10 years, HO was observed in 59% of the cases. The mobility of the implant was preserved in 80% of the patients. Radiological evidence of ASD was recorded in 6 patients (40%). There was no correlation between the clinical parameters evaluated and the presence of ASD or the different classes of HO. Conclusion Clinical improvement in all evaluated parameters, which persists over time. Most implants maintained mobility, as has already been demonstrated in other studies with shorter follow-ups. In a significant percentage of cases, ASD was observed, questioning the concept of motion preserving technology. However, we did not have any surgical intervention for this reason, since there was no correlation with worse clinical results.

Resumo Objetivo No presente estudo, apresentamos os resultados com um acompanhamento mínimo de 10 anos da artroplastia total do disco cervical (ATDC) em um nível. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes submetidos a ATDC em um nível. Os resultados clínicos incluíram o índice de incapacidade relacionada ao pescoço (IIRP) e a escala visual analógica (EVA) no período pré-operatório, um ano pós-operatório e um mínimo de 10 anos de acompanhamento. Os parâmetros radiográficos incluíram a mobilidade cervical, lordose segmentar, ângulo C2-C7, ossificação heterotópica (OH), degeneração facetária e articular (DFA) e doença do segmento adjacente (DSA). Resultados Identificados 22 pacientes, 16 mulheres e 6 homens com média de idade de 39,7 anos (26-51 anos), dos quais 15 tiveram um acompanhamento mínimo de 10 anos. Foi verificada melhoria estatisticamente significativa do IIRP e EVA (p < 0,001) entre pré-operatório e pós-operatório. (1 ano ou > 10 anos). Ao final de 10 anos, OH foi observada em 59% dos casos. A mobilidade do implante foi preservada em 80% dos pacientes. Houve evidência radiológica de DSA em 6 pacientes (40%). Não houve correlação entre os parâmetros clínicos avaliados e a presença de DSA ou as diferentes classes de OH. Conclusão Melhoria clínica em todos os parâmetros avaliados, que persiste ao longo do tempo. A maioria dos implantes manteve a mobilidade, como já demonstrado em estudos anteriores com acompanhamentos mais curtos. Numa percentagem significativa, a DSA estava presente, questionando o conceito da tecnologia de preservação de movimento. No entanto, sem nenhuma intervenção cirúrgica por esse motivo, uma vez que não houve correlação com piores resultados clínicos.

Human acute Chagas disease: changes in factor VII, activated protein C and hepatic enzymes from patients of oral outbreaks in Pará State (Brazilian Amazon)

Oral transmission of Chagas disease has been increasing in Latin American countries. The present study aimed to investigate changes in hepatic function, coagulation factor levels and parasite load in human acute Chagas disease (ACD) secondary to oral Trypanosoma cruzi transmission. Clinical and epidemiological findings of 102 infected individuals attended in the State of Pará from October 2013 to February 2016 were included. The most common symptoms were fever (98%), asthenia (83.3%), face and limb edema (80.4%), headache (74.5%) and myalgia (72.5%). The hepatic enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of 30 ACD patients were higher compared with controls, and this increase was independent of the treatment with benznidazole. Moreover, ACD individuals had higher plasma levels of activated protein C and lower levels of factor VII of the coagulation cascade. Patients with the highest parasite load had also the most increased transaminase levels. Also, ALT and AST were associated moderately (r = 0.429) and strongly (r = 0.595) with parasite load respectively. In conclusion, the present study raises the possibility that a disturbance in coagulation and hepatic function may be linked to human ACD.

Incidental diagnosis of breast cancer in the pursuit of the treatment of intestinal obstruction

Intestinal lipomatosis is rare and often asymptomatic but can present with intestinal obstruction. Occasionally, metastatic breast cancer is identified in the ovary before a breast primary is discovered. We report the case of a 50-year-old woman diagnosed with synchronous intestinal obstruction due to lipomatosis, and incidental ovarian metastases from breast cancer. The patient presented with a 12-day history of nausea, diffuse abdominal pain, and constipation. An abdominal x-ray showed air-fluid levels, and computed tomography documented small bowel distention. An explorative laparotomy was performed, which revealed small bowel distention, an obstructive lesion of the ileocecal valve, three terminal ileum lesions, ascites, and heterogeneous ovaries. Right ileocolic resection and left oophorectomy were performed. The pathological diagnosis revealed lipomatous submucosal lesion of the ileocecal valve and ileum, and 17 lymph nodes, which were all negative for malignant cells. The oophorectomy revealed ovarian metastasis from breast carcinoma. Ascitic fluid was positive for malignant cells. Mammography and breast/axillary ultrasonography showed a solid nodule of the left breast, ductal carcinoma, and multiple enlarged left axillary lymph nodes, which were positive for neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed hormonal receptor positivity and C-erb2 negativity. Breast magnetic resonance imaging showed a 14 mm left nodule and a positron emission tomography scan revealed 18F-FDG uptake in the left breast, left axillary lymph nodes, right ovary, and peritoneum. The tumor was staged as stage IV ductal breast carcinoma, cT1N1M1, Grade 2, Luminal B-like. The multidisciplinary oncological meeting proposed chemotherapy, and a re-staging breast MRI after chemotherapy, which showed a complete response. The patient started treatment with letrozole and remains disease-free 22 months after finishing chemotherapy.

Anterior fixation of odontoid fractures: results / Fixação anterior de fraturas do processo odontoide: resultados

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of the surgical treatment in patients diagnosed with odontoid fracture who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with screws. Methods: This was a retrospective study with nine patients. Pain (visual analog scale [VAS]) and neurological status (Frankel scale) were assessed. The neck disability index (NDI) and the post-operative cervical range of motion were calculated. The cervical spine was radiologically evaluated (X-ray and CT) pre- and postoperatively. Results: The mean age of patients was 70 years. All patients presented type IIb (Grauer classification) fractures, with a mean deviation of 2.95 mm. Two patients had subaxial lesions. The mean follow-up was 30 months. The mean time from trauma to surgery was seven days. The pre-operative Frankel score was E in all except one patient (B), in whom a post-operative improvement from B to D was observed. Post-operative pain was 2/10 (VAS). A total of 77% of patients presented a mild or moderate disability (NDI). Six patients regained full range of cervical movement, and bone union required approximately 14 weeks. Pseudarthrosis complications were observed in two patients (77% union rate), one patient presented screw repositioning and one case, dysphonia. Conclusion: Delayed diagnosis is still an issue in the treatment of odontoid fractures, especially in elderly patients. Concomitant lesions, especially in younger patients, are not uncommon. The literature presents high fusion rates with ORIF (≥80%), which was also observed in the present study. However, surgical success depends on proper patient selection and strict knowledge of the technique. This pathology presents a reserved functional prognosis in the medium-term, especially in the elderly.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados clínicos e radiológicos do tratamento cirúrgico em pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura do processo odontoide submetidos a redução aberta e fixação interna (RAFI) com parafusos. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com nove pacientes. Avaliada a dor (escala visual analógica [EVA]) e o estado neurológico (escala de Frankel). O Neck Disability Index (NDI) e a amplitude de movimento cervical pós-operatória foram calculados. A coluna cervical foi avaliada radiologicamente (raios X e TC) nos períodos pré- e pós-operatório. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 70 anos. Todos apresentaram fraturas do tipo IIb (classificação de Grauer), com desvio médio de 2,95 mm. Dois apresentaram lesões subaxiais. O seguimento médio foi de 30 meses. O tempo médio entre trauma e cirurgia foi de sete dias. O escore pré-operatório de Frankel foi E em todos, exceto em um paciente (B), no qual se observou uma melhoria pós-operatória de B para D. A dor pós-operatória foi 2/10 (EVA). Apresentaram incapacidade leve ou moderada (NDI) 77% pacientes. Seis pacientes recuperaram toda a amplitude de movimento cervical; a consolidação óssea levou aproximadamente 14 semanas. Foram observadas complicações de pseudartrose em dois pacientes (taxa de consolidação: 77%), um paciente necessitou reposicionamento do parafuso e um paciente, disfonia. Conclusão: O diagnóstico tardio ainda é um problema no tratamento de fraturas do odontoide, especialmente em pacientes idosos. As lesões concomitantes, especialmente em pacientes mais jovens, não são incomuns. A literatura apresenta altas taxas de consolidação com RAFI (≥ 80%), o que também foi observado no presente estudo. No entanto, o sucesso cirúrgico depende da seleção adequada do paciente e do conhecimento rigoroso da técnica. Essa patologia apresenta um prognóstico funcional reservado em médio prazo, especialmente em idosos.

Preditores de peritonite em pacientes em um programa de diálise peritoneal / Predictor factors of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis

INTRODUÇÃO: Peritonite é a principal complicação relacionada com a diálise peritoneal (DP). OBJETIVO: Avaliar possíveis preditores para o seu desenvolvimento em pacientes em programa crônico na modalidade. MÉTODO: Realizou-se estudo de coorte retrospectivo em 330 pacientes (média de idade 53 ± 19 anos) em programa de DP na Clínica de Nefrologia de Sergipe (Clinese), em Aracaju/ SE, Brasil, entre 1.º de janeiro de 2003 e 31 de dezembro de 2007. Variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas foram avaliadas comparativamente entre pacientes que apresentaram (141 por cento - 42,7 por cento) ou não (189 por cento - 57,3 por cento) peritonite. Na análise estatística, utilizaramse teste t de Student, qui-quadrado e modelo de regressão com múltiplas variáveis. RESULTADOS : Ocorreu um episódio de peritoniteacada28,4pacientes/mês(0,42episódio/ paciente/ano). O Staphylococcus aureus foi o agente etiológico mais frequente (27,8 por cento). Não se utilizava antibioticoterapia profilática e 136 pacientes (41,2 por cento) haviam apresentado previamente infecção de sítio de saída do cateter peritoneal (ISSCP). Identificou-se maior risco de peritonite nos pacientes com albuminemia < 3,0 g/dL no início do tratamento [risco relativo (RR) = 2,0; intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95 por cento = 1,21 - 3,43; p < 0,01], escolaridade < 4 anos (RR = 2,15; IC = 1,09 - 4,24; p = 0,03) e com histórico de ISSCP (RR = 2,63; IC = 1,57 - 4,41; p < 0,01). Não houve diferença significante entre os grupos no tocante a gênero, idade, renda familiar, procedência, presença ou não de diabetes, forma de início do tratamento (se eletiva ou emergencial), tipo de cateter e tipo de implante. CONCLUSÕES: Hipoalbuminemia, menor escolaridade e ISSCP mostraram-se como fatores preditores independentes de peritonite. Embora os índices de peritonite observados sigam os padrões internacionais, recomendam-se estratégias profiláticas para ISSCP.

INTRODUCTION: Peritonitis remains a major complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). OBJECTIVE: Evaluate peritonitis incidence, etiology and outcome in cronic PD patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out on 330 patients (mean age of 53 ± 19 years) who had been treated by PD in a dialysis center in Aracaju/SE, Brazil between January 1st, 2003 and December 31th, 2007. Data of patients with and without peritonitis were compared using Student's ttest, chi-squared statistic and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 213 peritonitis among 141 patients (1.51 episode/patient) resulting in a rate of 28.44 patient/episode/ month (0.42 patient/episode/year). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent micro-organism isolated (27.8 percent), followed by Escherichia coli (13.4 percent) and 32.5 percent were culture-negative peritonitis. A greater risk of peritonitis was identified at the patients with hypoalbuminemia [relative risk (RR) = 2.0; 95 percent confidence interval (CI) = 1.21 - 3.43; p < 0,01], < 4 school years (RR = 2.15; CI = 1.09 - 4.24; p = 0.03) and catheter's exit site infection (RR = 2.63; IC = 1.57 - 4.41; p < 0.01). There were no significant difference among gender, age, family income, diabetes mellitus, type of dialysis treatment, type of catheter and its surgical implant. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoalbuminemia, low schooling and catheter's exit site infection were associated with greater risk to peritonitis. Although peritonitis rate follow international pattern, prophylactic strategies are recommended.