Histological and immunohistochemical effects of neuroectodermal cells transplantation after spinal cord injury in rats / Efectos histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos del trasplante de células neuroectodérmicas tras una lesión de la médula espinal en ratas

SUMMARY: In spinal cord injury, radical treatment is still a persistent hope for patients and clinicians. Our study aimed to determine the different histological changes in central, cranial and caudal sites of compressed spinal cord as a result of neuroectodermal stem cells (NESCs) transplantation in rats. For extraction of NESCs, future brains were extracted from mice embryos (10-days old) and cultured. Eighty, male rats were divided randomly into control, sham (20 rats each); while 40 rats were subjected to compressed spinal cord injury (CSCI). Seven days after spinal cord injury, rats were subdivided into 2 groups (20 rats each); an untreated and treated with NESCs injected cranial and caudal to the site of the spinal cord injury. Rats were sacrificed 4 weeks after transplantations of NESCs and specimens from the spinal cord at the central, cranial and caudal to site of spinal cord injury were proceeded to be stained with haematoxylin & eosin, osmic acid and Immunohistochemistry of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Sections of CSCI revealed areas of hemorrhages, necrosis and cavitation limited by reactive astrocytosis, with upregulation of GFAP expression. Evidence of remyelination and mitigation of histopathological features, reactive astrocytosis in CSCI sections were more pronounced in cranial than in caudal region. NESCs transplantation ameliorated the pathological changes, promoted remyelination.

RESUMEN: En la lesión de la médula espinal, el tratamiento radical aún sigue siendo el tratamiento preferente para los pacientes y los médicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los diferentes cambios histológicos en los sitios centrales, craneales y caudales de la médula espinal comprimida, como resultado del trasplante de células madre neuroectodérmicas (NESCs) en ratas. Para la extracción de NESCs, se extrajeron y cultivaron los cerebros de embriones de ratones de 10 días de edad. Se dividieron 80 ratas macho aleatoriamente en grupos control, simulado (20 ratas cada una); mientras que 40 ratas fueron sometidas a lesión de la médula espinal comprimida (CSCI). Siete días después de la lesión de la médula espinal, las ratas se subdividieron en 2 grupos (20 ratas cada uno); un grupo no tratado y un grupo tratado con NESCs inyectado craneal y caudal en el sitio de la lesión. Las ratas fueron sacrificadas 4 semanas después de los trasplantes de NESCs y las muestras de la médula espinal en el centro, craneal y caudal del sitio de lesión fueron teñidas con hematoxilina y eosina, ácido ósmico e inmunohistoquímica de la proteína ácida fibrilar glial (GFAP). Las secciones de CSCI revelaron áreas de hemorragias, necrosis y cavitación limitadas por astrocitosis reactiva, con una regulación positiva de la expresión de GFAP. Evidencia de remielinización y mitigación de características histopatológicas, astrocitosis reactiva en secciones de CSCI fue más pronunciada en la región craneal que en la caudal. El trasplante de NESC mejoró los cambios patológicos, promoviendo la remielinización.

A novel compound heterozygous mutation of the AIRE gene in a patient with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1), or autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy is a rare, autosomal recessive autoimmune disease caused by a mutation of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. The main symptom triad in APS-1 comprises chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, adrenal insufficiency, and hypoparathyroidism. Various autoimmune diseases and ectodermal abnormalities are also commonly associated with the syndrome. The treatment of APS-1 includes hormone replacement and symptom control. It is important to monitor such patients for clinical manifestations of their disease through regular follow-up. We report the case of a 10-year-old Korean girl with APS-1 due to a novel compound heterozygous mutation of the AIRE gene. This patient's main clinical manifestations were adrenal insufficiency and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. The patient had a previously known pathogenic variant of c.1513delG (p.Ala505ProfsTer16), and a newly discovered variant of c.1360dupC (p.His454ProfsTer50).

Noonan syndrome and RASopathies: Clinical features, diagnosis and management

Noonan syndrome (NS) and NS-related disorders (cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome, Costello syndrome, NS with multiple lentigines, or LEOPARD [lentigines, ECG conduction abnormalities, ocular hypertelorism, pulmonic stenosis, abnormal genitalia, retardation of growth and sensory neural deafness] syndrome) are collectively named as RASopathies. Clinical presentations are similar, featured with typical facial features, short stature, intellectual disability, ectodermal abnormalities, congenital heart diseases, chest & skeletal deformity and delayed puberty. During past decades, molecular etiologies of RASopathies have been growingly discovered. The functional perturbations of the RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway are resulted from the mutation of more than 20 genes (PTPN11, SOS1, RAF1, SHOC2, BRAF, KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, MEK1, MEK2, CBL, SOS2, RIT, RRAS, RASA2, SPRY1, LZTR1, MAP3K8, MYST4, A2ML1, RRAS2). The PTPN11 (40–50%), SOS1 (10–20%), RAF1 (3–17%), and RIT1 (5–9%) mutations are common in NS patients. In this review, the constellation of overlapping clinical features of RASopathies will be described based on genotype as well as their differential diagnostic points and management.

Spindle cell myoepithelioma of the parotid gland

Myoepithelioma was recognized as a histological distinct entity by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991. Myoepithelial cells are believed to be of ectodermal origin. In salivary glands, the myoepithelial cells that surround the intercalated ducts are spindled, which is in contrast to the large stellate ones that envelop the acini. Myoepithelioma is a benign salivary gland tumor that consists entirely of myoepithelial cells. A 53-year-old man presented with a 1-year history of a painless mass originating from the right parotid gland. The mass grew rapidly reaching a size of approximately 6 cm. The patient had no facial paralysis. The authors performed right parotidectomy. Immunohistochemistry study of this tumor showed that it was positive for vimentin, positive for S-100, focally positive for pancytokeratin, and focally positive for p63 and that it had a Ki-67 labeling index (below 10%). Additionally, the tumor was negative for epithelial membrane antigen, negative for actin, negative for desmin, negative for CD34 and negative for anaplastic lymphoma kinase. The authors present a case of benign spindle cell myoepithelioma of the parotid gland in a 53-year-old man diagnosed after immunohistochemistry study, describing its importance, along with a brief review of the literature.

Magnifying Endoscopy for Esophageal Ectopic Sebaceous Glands

Ectopic sebaceous glands are found very rarely in the esophagus; heretofore, several cases have been reported. The sebaceous gland is originally a source of an endodermal origin; however, there have been controversies regarding whether the origin of the esophageal ectopic sebaceous gland is ectodermal or endodermal. Ectopic sebaceous glands of the esophagus usually do not cause symptoms; thus, they are often found incidentally on endoscopy for routine health screening. Endoscopic findings are characterized by single or multiple yellow patches or nodular lesions of various sizes, sometimes with small central openings. We report two cases of esophageal ectopic sebaceous glands found incidentally during endoscopy with magnifying endoscopic findings. The lesions were in the mid-esophagus and lower esophagus, respectively, and both endoscopic findings were similar as multiple yellowish patches or plaques. Magnifying endoscopy revealed the openings of the excretory ducts surrounded by circular microvessels in both cases.

Displasia ectodérmica hipohidrótica: reporte de casos / Hypohydrotic ectodermal dysplasia: Report of case

La Displasia Ectodérmica Hipohidrótica (DEH) es una genodermatosis que se caracteriza por presentar alteraciones en las estructuras deri-vadas del ectodermo, frecuentemente se da la triada: hipohidrosis, hipotricosis e hipodoncia. El síndrome puede manifestarse como heren-cia autosómica dominante o recesiva y tam-bién como herencia ligada al sexo, la forma más frecuente es la de herencia recesiva relacionada al cromosoma X con sujetos de sexo masculino afectados y de sexo femenino portadores. Puede ocurrir a través de mutacio-nes autosómicas, de las cuales las del gen EDA1 son responsables del 58% de los casos. La DEH presenta tasa de mortalidad infantil entre 2% y 20%, dependiendo de la precocidad del diag-nóstico y de los protocolos de tratamiento. Este artículo presenta un paciente de 23 meses de edad quien había sido hospitalizado por otra-patología y se re rió al Instituto Hondureño de Seguridad Social (IHSS), por observar cabello hipopigmentado, escaso, no, ausencia de pestañas y cejas, dientes cónicos e hipohidro-sis: por lo que se diagnostica displasia ectodér-mica hipohidrótica, quedando pendiente la realización de biopsia de piel y exámenes genéticos debido a que no se cuenta con el equipo médico necesario. Por tal motivo, no se conoció el patrón de segregación...(AU)

Clinical Characteristics of Idiopathic Epidermoid and Dermoid Cysts of the Ear

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epidermoid and dermoid cysts are benign cystic lesions, lined by ectodermal squamous epithelium. They are not common in the head and neck areas, which constitute ~7% of all cases of epidermoid and dermoid cysts. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of epidermoid and dermoid cysts that developed around the ear. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The clinical records were retrospectively reviewed for patients confirmed histologically as idiopathic epidermoid and dermoid cysts of the ear from January 2011 to December 2015. RESULTS: Total 15 cases consisted of 14 epidermoid cysts and only 1 dermoid cyst. There were 11 males and 4 females (mean age of 37.8±16.8 years old). Right side was 7 cases and left was 8. The cyst was located at the lobule in 4 cases, at the ear canal in 4 cases, at the preauricular area in 4 cases, and at the postauricular area in 3 cases. In cases of epidermoid cysts, there was no significant difference in age, sex, and size according to the location. Patients with cysts on helix were younger than others. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that most cutaneous cysts developing around the ear were epidermoid cysts and there was no site preference for occurrence of epidermoid cysts.

Abnormal ectodermal findings associated with gastrointestinal polyposis

No abstract available.

Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) Cells in Dentistry: A Review

iPS cells are derived from somatic cells via transduction and expression of selective transcription factors. Both viral-integrating (like retroviral) and non-integrating (like, mRNA or protein-based) techniques are available for the production of iPS cells. In the field of dentistry, iPS cells have been derived from stem cells of apical papilla, dental pulp stem cells, and stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth, gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts, and buccal mucosa fibroblasts. iPS cells have the potential to differentiate into all derivatives of the 3 primary germ layers i.e. ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm. They are autogeneically accessible, and can produce patient-specific or disease-specific cell lines without the issue of ethical controversy. They have been successfully tested to produce mesenchymal stem cells-like cells, neural crest-like cells, ameloblasts-like cells, odontoblasts-like cells, and osteoprogenitor cells. These cells can aid in regeneration of periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, cementum, dentin-pulp complex, as well as possible Biotooth formation. However certain key issues like, epigenetic memory of iPS cells, viral-transduction, tumorgenesis and teratoma formation need to be overcome, before they can be successfully used in clinical practice. The article discusses the sources, pros and cons, and current applications of iPS cells in dentistry with an emphasis on encountered challenges and their solutions.

Understanding of Human Embryo Development for Teratogen Counselling

Human embryology is the study of development from a single cell to a baby in 9 months. Implantation occurs at the end of the first week of development. The second week of development is known as the week of 2's. Gastrulation, the most characteristic event occurring in the third week, establishes three germ layers composed of ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. The three germ layers and neural crest cells lead to the development of their own tissues and organs during the embryonic period, which extends from the third to the eighth week. Major congenital malformations occur in the embryonic period. The fetal period, from the third month to the day of birth, is the time for maturation of tissues and organs, and growth of the body. Because of the close relationship between embryology and congenital abnormalities, knowledge of human development is essential to assess the effects on the embryo when the mother has been exposed to teratogens. This paper briefly reviews the normal embryonic development and associated congenital malformation.

Analysis of Dermatologic Diseases in Neurosurgical In-Patients: A Retrospective Study of 463 Cases

BACKGROUND: Both the skin and the neurologic system are derived from the ectoderm during embryogenesis, and thus patients with neurologic disorders may have accompanying dermatologic diseases. For example, seborrheic dermatitis is more frequently observed in patients with Parkinsonism and other neurologic disorders. To date, however, there has been limited review on dermatologic diseases in neurosurgical in-patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize dermatological problems encountered in a neurosurgery unit and to compare these data to previous reports of in-patient dermatologic consultations. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted over all in-patient dermatology consultations from the neurosurgery unit during a 3-year period. RESULTS: Of 2,770 dermatology consultations, 463 (16.7%) came from the department of neurosurgery. The most frequent age group was the 6th decade of life, and the ratio of men to women was 1.07. Consults were most frequently placed from patients with intracranial hemorrhage (23.8%). Eczema/dermatitis (36.5%; n=204) and cutaneous infections (27.0%; n=151) accounted for more than half of all dermatological consultations, followed by cutaneous adverse drug reactions (11.8%; n=66). Additionally, seborrheic dermatitis was significantly more frequent (p=0.048, odds ratio=1.96) in patients with intracranial hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: This study characterizes the distribution of skin disorders in patients admitted to the neurosurgery service based on the consultations that have been made for dermatologic evaluation. Collaboration between the neurosurgeons and dermatologists may improve the quality of patient care and help to better predict the occurrence of these conditions.

Ginseng conduces degeneration of differentiating tissues in developing albino mice

The current study was conducted to evaluate its effects on developing skin, heart and intestines, derivatives of ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm respectively, when given during pregnancy to albino mice. Experimental Randomized controlled trial study. This study was conducted at Anatomy Department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore from Jan 2011 to July 2011. Twelve pregnant albino mice were divided into two groups of 6 each; group A was given distill water, Human therapeutic dose [HTD][780mg/kg/day] was dissolved in 0.1ml of distilled water and was administered to the animals of group B for entire length of pregnancy. Fetuses were delivered and dissected on 18[th] day of gestation. Tissue samples comprising, skin, heart and small intestine derivatives of ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm respectively, were removed and processed for light microscopic study. In the current study, the difference between dead and alive fetuses, when compared between groups was found to be statistically significant [p value < 0.05]. In addition, the histological examination of the above tissues revealed extensive cell death resulting into loss of normal architecture of skin, heart and small intestine. Cells showed pyknotic nuclei and scanty cytoplasm, indicating process of apoptosis, which when compared between groups was found to be statistically significant [p<0.05]. It is suggested, therefore, that further investigations and monitoring of additional tissues for the effects of Ginsenosides during pregnancy are warranted

Sox9 regulates development of neural crest and otic placode in a time- and dose-dependent fashion / 동물의과학연구지

Neural crest and placodes share a number of important features, pointing to a possible common evolutionary origin. They both arise from the neural plate border, which is the boundary between the non-neural ectoderm and neural plate. The transcription factor Sox9 has been implicated in neural crest and otic placode induction in several species. To investigate the differential regulation of neural crest and otic placode induction by Sox9, a gain of function assay was performed using a hormone-inducible version of the Sox9 construct at different doses and time periods. Sox9 was expressed in both neural crest and otic placode cell populations in the same stage embryos by in situ hybridization. Using a gain of function approach, increased expression of neural crest marker (Snail2) and otic placode marker (Pax8) in Sox9-overexpressed embryos was observed. Higher dose of Sox9 reduced or eliminated both neural crest and placode cells in the embryos. Interestingly, otic placodes cells were more strongly affected as compared to neural crest cells. So, optimal dosage and timing of Sox9 expression are important for the development of the neural crest and otic placode. The development of the neural crest and otic placode are affected by Sox9 in a time- and dose-dependent manner.

La reactividad constitucional del sujeto: una piedra de rosetta interdisciplinaria / A reatividade constitucional do sujeito. Uma pedra de roseta interdisciplinar / Subject’s constitutional reactivitya: interdisciplinary rosetta stone

Aprender a identificar de manera integral, mixta y dinámica la constitución de un sujeto significa, por un lado, ayudarlo a autoconocerse en su manera de reaccionar (por eso se habla de reactividad constitucional y no más de biotipos o rasgos), de desarrollarse (madurar o destruirse), de relacionarse y aceptar a los demás tal como son; por otro lado, sirve para personalizar diagnóstico, terapia y pronóstico. La historia del constitucionalismo y un esquema sinóptico interdisciplinario (filosofía griega, teología, medicina hipocrática, galénica, homeopática, china, ayurvédica y holística, biología, embriología, bioquímica, fisiopatología, neurología, endocrinología, psicología y espiritualidad) muestra una precisa correspondencia y un denominador común sobre la base de la teoría constitucional embriológica que habla de endoblasto, mesoblasto y ectoblasto. Una coherencia que dura por más de 24 siglos en occidente y pasa también las barreras culturales (oriente y occidente) y paradigmáticas (biomedicina y homeopatía), no puede ser casual.

To learn to identify in an integral, mixed and dynamic way the subject’s constitution means, on one hand, to help him to a self-knowledgement of his reactive way (for this, we speak of constitutional reactivity and no more of biotipe or trait), to develop himself (to mature or to destroy), to join and accept the others like they are; on the other way, it serve to personalize diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. The constitution history and a synoptic interdisciplinary diagram (Greek philosophy, theology, hippocratic, galenic, homeopatic, chinese, ayurvedic and holistic medicines, biology, embriology, biochemistry, physiopathology, neurology, endocrinology, psychology and spirituality) shows a precise link and a common denominator according to an embriologic constitutional theory, that speaks about endoblast, mesoblast and ectoblast. A coherence thas lasts for more than 24 centuries in occident and goes through even the cultural borders (eastern and western world) and paradigmatic logics (biomedicine and homeopaty) cannot be casual.

Aprender a identificar de maneira integral, mista e dinâmica a constituição de um sujeito significa, por um lado, ajudá-lo a se autoconhecer na sua maneira de reagir (por isso se fala de reatividade constitucional e não mais de biotipos ou traços), de desenvolver-se (amadurecer ou destruir-se), de relacionar-se e aceitar os demais taisl como são; por outro lado, serve para personalizar diagnóstico, terapia e prognóstico. A história do constitucionalismo e um esquema sinóptico interdisciplinar (filosofia grega, teologia, medicina hipocrática, galênica, homeopática, chinesa, ayurvédica e holística, biologia, embriologia, bioquímica, fisiopatologia, neurologia, endocrinologia, psicologia e espiritualidade) mostra uma precisa correspondência e um denominador comum sobre a base da teoria constitucional embriológica que fala de endoblasto, mesoblasto e ectoblasto. Uma coerência que dura por mais de 24 séculos no ocidente e ultrapassa também as barreiras culturais (oriente e ocidente) e paradigmáticas (biomedicina e homeopatia), não pode ser casual.

Na, K-ATPase beta2 isoform (atp1b2) expressed in the retina of Xenopus / 동물의과학연구지

The ubiquitous Na, K-ATPase is a membrane-bound ion pump located in the plasma membrane in all animal cells and plays an essential role in a variety of cellular functions. Studies in several organisms have shown that this protein regulates different aspects of embryonic development and is responsible for the pathogenesis of several human diseases. Na, K-ATPase is an important factor for retinal development, and combinations of the isoforms of each of its subunits are expressed in different cell types and determine its functional properties. In this study, we performed RT-PCR assay to determine temporal expression and in situ hybridization to determine spatial expression of Na, K-ATPase beta2 isoform (atp1b2) in Xenopus laevis. Focusing on retinal expression to distinguish the specific expression domain, we used retinal marker genes sox4, sox11, vsx1, and . Xenopus atp1b2 was expressed from late gastrulation to the tadpole stage. Using whole mount in situ hybridization, we showed that Xenopus atp1b2 was expressed broadly in the eye, the whole surface ectoderm, and gills. In situ hybridization on sections revealed detailed and specific expression in the outer nuclear layer of the retina, which consists of two major classes of photoreceptors, rods and cones, surface ectoderm, pharyngeal epithelium, and gills. These findings indicate that atp1b2 may play an important role for the development of Xenopus retina.

Temporal and Spatial Expression Patterns of miR-302 and miR-367 During Early Embryonic Chick Development

The microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that modulate protein expression by interfering with target mRNA translation or stability. miRNAs play crucial roles in various functions such as cellular, developmental, and physiological processes. The spatial expression patterns of miRNAs are very essential for identifying their functions. The expressions of miR-302 and miR-367 are critical in maintaining stemness of pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) but their functions in early development are not fully elucidated. So, we used Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) probes to perform in situ hybridization and confirmed the temporal and spatial distribution patterns during early chick development. As a result, we found that miR-302 and miR-367 were expressed in various tissues such as primitive steak, neural ectoderm, neural plate, neural fold, neural tube, notochord, and oral cavity. Specially, we confirmed that miR-302 and miR-367 were strongly expressed in neural folds in HH8 to HH10. miR-302 was expressed on dorsal part of the neural tube but miR-367 was expressed on lateral and ventral parts of the neural tube. And also we performed quantitative stem-loop real-time PCR to analyze global expression level of miR-302 and miR-367. miR-302 and miR-367 expression was sustained before Hamburger and Hamilton stage (HH) 14. Thus, the temporal and spatial expression patterns of miR-302 and miR-367 may provide us information of the role of these miRNAs on tissue formation during early chick development.

Bone marrow stem/progenitor cell mobilization in C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice / 한국실험동물학회지

Bone marrow (BM) has been considered as a reservoir of stem/progenitor cells which are able to differentiate into ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal origins in vitro as well as in vivo. Following adequate stimulation, such as granulocyte stimulating factor (G-CSF) or AMD3100, BM resident stem/progenitor cells (BMSPCs) can be mobilized to peripheral blood. Several host-related factors are known to participate in this mobilization process. In fact, a significant number of donors are resistant to G-CSF induced mobilization protocols. AMD3100 is currently used in combination with G-CSF. However, information regarding host-related factors which may influence the AMD3100 directed mobilization is extremely limited. In this study, we were to get some more knowledge on the host-related factors that affect the efficiency of AMD3100 induced mobilization by employing in vivo mobilization experiments. As a result, we found that C57BL/6J mice are more sensitive to AMD3100 but less sensitive to G-CSF which promotes the proliferation of BMSPCs. We excluded S1P as one of the host related factor which influences AMD3100 directed mobilization because pre-treatment of S1P receptor antagonist FTY720 did not inhibit BMSPC mobilization. Further in vitro experiments revealed that BALB/c mice, compared to C57BL/6J mice, have less BMSPCs which migrate in response to host related factors such as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and to CXCL12. We conclude that AMD3100-directed mobilization depends on the number of BMSPCs rather than on the host-related factors. These results suggest that the combination of AMD3100 and G-CSF is co-operative and is optimal for the mobilization of BMSPCs.

A Case of Incontinentia Pigmenti with Multiple Brain Infarction

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare X-linked dominant disease that is typically lethal to males and usually affect female patients. IP is a neurocutaneous disorder, involving the ectodermal tissues such as the skin, eyes, teeth, hair, and central nervous system. The pathogenesis of IP is linked to the gene mutation in the NF-kappa B essential modulator (NEMO) on chromosome Xq28. We experienced one case of newborn with multiple vesiculobullous skin lesions over the entire body after birth. Skin biopsy and histologic studies revealed suspected IP stage I and the genetic analysis of the NEMO confirmed IP diagnosis. A brain MRI showed multiple cerebral infarctions and the infant has shown delayed development in follow-up clinic.

Clinical Experience of Sinonasal Schwannomas

BACKGROUND: Schwannomas are benign tumors of ectodermal origin derived from Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. Approximately less than 4% of these tumors are found in the paranasal sinuses and there has been little information reported concerning the presentation and surgical management of sinonasal schwannomas. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical data, management, and long-term outcomes of sinonasal schwannomas. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients with sinonasal schwannomas treated from January 2001 to March 2012 was performed. Clinical data and follow-up information were obtained from a review of the patients' charts and the operative, anesthesia, and pathology reports. RESULTS: There were 4 females and 4 males included in this study. The mean age was 37.5 years (range, 22-51 years). The mean tumor size was 3.1 cm (range 1.0-6.0 cm). The origin of the tumors included: nasal septum (n = 2), nasal vestibule (n = 2), pterygopalatine fossa (n = 2), ethmoid sinus (n = 1), and inferior turbinate (n = 1). Seven patients had endoscopic resections and one patient with a schwannoma in the nasal vestibule underwent a sublabial approach. The mean follow-up was 59 months. There were no tumor recurrences during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Schwannomas in sinonasal cavity can be treated effectively with the endoscopic approach with minimal morbidity and long-term disease control.

A Case of Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome Showing Spontaneous Remission

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare, noninherited gastrointestinal polyposis syndrome associated with ectodermal changes such as alopecia, nail dystrophy, and cutaneous hyperpigmentation. The etiology and pathogenesis of CCS are not known, but diarrhea, malnutrition, gastrointestinal bleeding, and infection may occur in the affected patient; moreover, this condition could be fatal. However, previous reports have described several cases of spontaneous remission. We report a 60-year-old man who was incidentally found to have colonic polyposis, alopecia, and hypogeusia and was diagnosed to have CCS. However, this patient experienced spontaneous remission, including regrowth of body hair and alleviation of bowel inflammation, without any specific medications such as steroids, antibiotics, or proton pump inhibitors.