Ectopic pancreas associated with choledochal cyst and multiseptate gallbladder.

Congenital choledochal cyst is a rarely seen malformation of childhood, particularly when associated with multiseptate gallbladder or ectopic pancreas. The current case represents a 15-day-old boy with jaundice. Ultrasonography suggested a cystic lesion, probably of the common bile duct. The patient underwent a total excision of type I choledochal cyst and gallbladder with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, and a wedge biopsy from the liver. Gross examination revealed multiple septa dividing the gallbladder into multiple compartments. The outer and inner surfaces of the choledochal cyst were unremarkable. Microscopically, the cyst wall was composed of dense fibrous tissue with a single layer of cubic to columnar cells constituting the overlying epithelium. Serial sections incidentally revealed ectopic pancreatic tissue lying along the cyst wall characterized by acini, islets, and ductal structures with endocrine cells reactive for chromogranin A. Septa dividing the gallbladder were composed of fibrotic stalks containing smooth muscle fibers. Areas of papillary hyperplasia and intestinal metaplasia of gallbladder epithelium were also noted. The liver biopsy specimen demonstrated the presence of intrahepatic bile ducts, subsequently confirmed by cytokeratin 7. To our knowledge, this case represents the 1st one associated with these 3 entities and only the 2nd choledochal cyst with ectopic pancreatic tissue in its wall.

Vitamin E protects against acetone-induced oxidative stress in rat red blood cells.

Acetone may induce oxidative stress leading to disturbance of the biochemical and physiological functions of red blood cells (RBCs) thereby affecting membrane integrity. Vitamin E (vit E) is believed to function as an antioxidant in vivo protecting membranes from lipid peroxidation. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of possible protective effects of vit E treatment against acetone-induced oxidative stress in rat RBCs. Thirty healthy male Wistar albino rats, weighing 200-230 g and averaging 12 weeks old were randomly allotted into one of three experimental groups: Control (A), acetone-treated (B) and acetone + vit E-treated groups (C), each containing ten animals. Group A received only drinking water. Acetone, 5% (v/v), was given with drinking water to B and C groups. In addition, C group received vit E dose of 200 mg/kg/day i.m. The experiment continued for 10 days. At the end of the 10th day, the blood samples were obtained for biochemical and morphological investigation. Acetone treatment resulted in RBC membrane destruction and hemolysis, increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels in plasma and RBC, and decreased RBC vit E levels. Vit E treatment decreased elevated TBARS levels in plasma and RBC and also increased reduced RBC vit E levels, and prevented RBC membrane destruction and hemolysis. In conclusion, vit E treatment appears to be beneficial in preventing acetone-induced oxidative RBC damage, and therefore, it can improve RBC rheology.