Huge intrameniscal cyst successfully treated by open debridement and combined arthroscopic and open repair: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Meniscal cysts are not uncommon in clinical practice, with reported incidence rates varying from 1 to 22%. Most meniscal cysts are parameniscal cysts, which are created by extravasation of synovial fluid through the meniscal tear into the adjacent soft tissue. In contrast, intrameniscal cysts in which the fluid collects in the meniscus are very rare. We encountered a teenager with a huge intrameniscal cyst accompanied by a small vertical meniscal tear in the red-white zone of the upper surface of the medial meniscus. A literature search revealed no information regarding the appropriate treatment methods and results for this type of lesion. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old boy presented to our outpatient clinic because of right knee pain that had been present for the previous 2 months. The patient participated in Hapkido, but had no specific trauma history. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a huge intrameniscal cyst located in the central parenchyma of the posteromedial corner of the medial meniscus. In addition, one sagittal slice on MRI revealed a vertical tear in the red-white zone of the upper surface of the medial meniscus. The presence of such a tear accompanied by a huge intrameniscal cyst is very unusual. The patient was treated via arthroscopic inside-out meniscal suture repair and open cystic debridement with additional meniscocapsular suturing. During 4 years of magnetic resonance imaging follow-up, the lesion has completely disappeared and the meniscus has successfully recovered its normal form. CONCLUSIONS: Our treatment method may be considered as the first choice for young patients who require surgical treatment for large intrameniscal cysts with accompanying small vertical meniscal tears.

Surgical Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Bile Duct Tumor Thrombus: A Korea-Japan Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify optimal surgical methods and the risk factors for long-term survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma accompanied by macroscopic bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Prognoses of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma accompanied by BDTT have been known to be poor. There have been significant controversies regarding optimal surgical approaches and risk factors because of the low incidence and small number of cases in previous reports. METHODS: Records of 257 patients from 32 centers in Korea and Japan (1992-2014) were analyzed for overall survival and recurrence rate using the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Curative surgery was performed in 244 (94.9%) patients with an operative mortality of 5.1%. Overall survival and recurrence rate at 5 years was 43.6% and 74.2%, respectively. TNM Stage (P < 0.001) and the presence of fibrosis/cirrhosis (P = 0.002) were independent predictors of long-term survival in the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Both performing liver resection equal to or greater than hemihepatectomy and combined bile duct resection significantly increased overall survival [hazard ratio, HR = 0.61 (0.38-0.99); P = 0.044 and HR = 0.51 (0.31-0.84); P = 0.008, respectively] and decreased recurrence rate [HR = 0.59 (0.38-0.91); P = 0.018 and HR = 0.61 (0.42-0.89); P = 0.009, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical outcomes were mostly influenced by tumor stage and underlying liver function, and the impact of BDTT to survival seemed less prominent than vascular invasion. Therefore, an aggressive surgical approach, including major liver resection combined with bile duct resection, to increase the chance of R0 resection is strongly recommended.

Improved functional outcome after early reduction in Bosworth fracture-dislocation.

BACKGROUND: Bosworth described an unusual fracture-dislocation of the ankle with fixed posterior fracture-dislocation of the fibula. Previous epidemiological data on the prevalence and characteristics of patients with Bosworth ankle fractures have been limited. Bosworth fracture-dislocations are often missed in patients with ankle fractures. We investigated the outcomes of missed diagnosis and the prevalence of Bosworth fracture-dislocation in patients with ankle fractures. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of inpatients aged 15 years and older with an ankle fracture, who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2016 in 4 Korean hospitals. The patient demographics, risk factors, fracture characteristics, treatment data, outcomes, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: We reviewed 3405 hospital admissions for ankle fractures. During the study period, Bosworth fracture-dislocations were diagnosed in 51 cases. The prevalence of Bosworth fracture-dislocations (n=51) was 1.62% among patients with ankle fractures who were enrolled in this study (n=3140). Emergency surgery was performed within 24h of injury in 36 cases (group A) and delayed surgery was performed in 15 cases (group B). The mean patient age at admission was 35.97 (standard deviation [SD], 1.643) years in group A and 34.33 (SD, 2.296) years in group B. Men were more commonly affected than women, with a 32:19 ratio. Most of the patients with Bosworth fracture-dislocations were young adults with high-energy trauma. The most frequent mechanism of trauma was falling down stairs (n=27, 52.94%), followed by traffic accidents. Patient outcomes were significantly better in group A than in group B. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Bosworth fracture-dislocations was higher than expected. If unrecognized, it can result in inappropriate treatment and permanent disability. With accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment, excellent results can usually be obtained. LEVEL OF CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: 4.

The Optimal Suture Site for the Repair of Posterior Horn Root Tears: Biomechanical Evaluation of Pullout Strength in Porcine Menisci.

PURPOSE: There are few studies on biomechanical evaluation of suture points in repair of root tears. The purpose of this study was to determine the point of greatest pullout strength for root tear repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 fresh porcine medial menisci were obtained. The red-red and red-white zones of the meniscus were divided by two lines designated as lines A and B (groups A and B). Groups A and B were further divided into three groups each by dividing lines A and B into three points: 3, 5, and 7 mm from the meniscal ligament root insertion. Vertical meniscal repair was performed on each point. The pullout failure strength was tested using a biaxial servohydraulic testing machine. RESULTS: The average maximal load at failure was significantly greater in group A than group B (87.65 vs. 62.93; p<0.001) The average length at maximal load failure was greater in group A than group B (4.35 vs. 3.2; p<0.001). Among the subgroups of 3, 5, and 7 mm in both groups A and B, 7 mm showed the greatest maximal load (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The pullout strength was statistically significantly greater in group A than group B and in the 7 mm subgroup than the 3 and 5 mm subgroups. Thus, the 7 mm subgroup in group A showed the greatest pullout strength.

Antimicrobial treatment after laparoscopic appendectomy for preventing a post-operative intraabdominal abscess: A Prospective Cohort Study of 1817 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Post-operative antimicrobial treatment is usually administered to prevent a post-operative intraabdominal abscess (IAA) after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). The aim of this study was to identify the role of post-operative antibiotic treatment and the optimal length for the antibiotic course to prevent post-operative IAA after LA. METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2013, 1817 patients who underwent three-port LA were enrolled in this study. Patients were classified into four groups according to the type of appendicitis and infectious source control. The characteristics of antimicrobial treatment and the incidence of IAA were analyzed and compared among the four groups. RESULTS: The incidence of IAA after three-port LA was 1.5% (27/1817). The mean durations of post-operative antibiotic use were 3.1 days for the non-IAA group and 3.3 days for the IAA group, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.510). DISCUSSION: The length of post-operative antibiotic treatment and antimicrobial combination therapy did not affect the development of IAA, and prolonged antibiotic treatment did not prevent IAA. However, when source control was not completely achieved, an IAA was frequently observed in the patient group that received a short course of antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSION: The role of antibiotic treatment for preventing post-appendectomy IAA seems to be related with achieving intraperitoneal infectious source control. In the setting of incomplete source control, we recommend a 5-day course of antimicrobial combination therapy and consecutive source control such as peritoneal drainage.

Suction Drain Tip Culture after Spine Surgery: Can It Predict a Surgical Site Infection?

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic value of suction drain tip culture in patients undergoing primary posterior spine surgery. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: To date, the diagnostic value of suction drain tip culture for predicting surgical site infection (SSI) has not been firmly established in orthopedic or spinal surgery. METHODS: In total, 133 patients who underwent primary posterior spine surgery from January 2013 to April 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patients diagnosed with infective disease or condition was excluded. The suction drain tip was cut off approximately 5 cm from its far end. The sample was sent to the microbiological laboratory of the hospital for culture analysis. Any signs of infection, such as wound discharge or dehiscence, fever, chills, or chronic pain, were recorded. The culture outcome, identification of bacteria, and postoperative transition of the serum C-reactive protein level were also recorded in all patients. The wounds were followed up for a minimum of 3 months. RESULTS: A positive drain tip culture was found in 48 patients (36.1%), of whom, 6 developed SSI. The sensitivity of drain tip culture for SSI after primary posterior spine surgery was 60.0%, and the specificity was 65.9%. The association between the incidence of positive suction tip culture and SSI was not statistically significant. Among the 48 positive drain tip cultures, there was no significant association between the occurrence of SSI and virulence of isolated bacteria. There was no significant association between drain tip culture positivity and the duration of drainage, or between the rate of SSI and duration of drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Suction drain tip culture analysis is a poor predictor of SSI after primary posterior spine surgery. Routine use of a drain tip culture is not supported by the results of this study.

Advanced Gastric Cancer Perforation Mimicking Abdominal Wall Abscess.

Surgeons occasionally encounter a patient with a gastric cancer invading an adjacent organ, such as the pancreas, liver, or transverse colon. Although there is no established guideline for treatment of invasive gastric cancer, combined resection with radical gastrectomy is conventionally performed for curative purposes. We recently treated a patient with a large gastric cancer invading the abdominal wall, which was initially diagnosed as a simple abdominal wall abscess. Computed tomography showed that an abscess had formed adjacent to the greater curvature of the stomach. During surgery, we made an incision on the abdominal wall to drain the abscess, and performed curative total gastrectomy with partial excision of the involved abdominal wall. The patient received intensive treatment and wound management postoperatively with no surgery-related adverse events. However, the patient could not receive adjuvant chemotherapy and expired on the 82nd postoperative day.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Intra-Abdominal Abscess after Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Analysis for Consecutive 1,817 Experiences.

BACKGROUND: Possible risk factors for postoperative intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) formation after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) remain controversial. A perforated appendicitis, diabetes mellitus, peritoneal irrigation, obesity and age are considered to be possible risk factors for postoperative IAA, but the existing evidence is insufficient. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for IAA formation in patients receiving LA. METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2013, 1,817 patients who underwent 3-port LA were enrolled in this study. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the development of postoperative IAA, and the differences between the groups were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of IAA after LA was 1.5%, and the only identified risk factor for IAA was peritoneal irrigation. On logistic regression analysis of those patients who received peritoneal irrigation, suppurative appendicitis and non-placement of the peritoneal drain were found to be significant risk factors for the development of IAA. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal irrigation in a case of abdomen contamination was shown to be a risk factor for the development of postoperative IAA after LA. When peritoneal irrigation is performed, surgeons should consider using peritoneal drainage and postoperative antibiotics (including anti-anaerobic antibiotics) to prevent postoperative IAA formation.

Usefulness of Ultrasound-Guided Lower Extremity Nerve Blockade in Surgery for Patellar Fracture.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasound-guided nerve blockade in patellar fracture surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients who underwent metal fixation under ultrasound-guided lower extremity blockade after diagnosis of patellar fracture from July 2011 to June 2012 were enrolled in this study. Under ultrasound guidance, femoral nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, obturator nerve, and sciatic nerve blockades were performed. For evaluation of anesthesia, interference with overall surgery, such as intraoperative knee pain and tourniquet pain, was checked. Individual anesthetic complications, satisfaction with nerve blocks, and choice of future anesthesia method were investigated. RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent surgery without any pain and 4 patients with mild pain. Satisfaction was excellent in 17 patients, good in 5, and unsatisfactory in 1. No complications such as infection or nerve injury occurred. In terms of selection of future anesthesia, 22 patients chose a nerve blockade of the lower extremity under ultrasound guidance, and one chose general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, ultrasound-guided nerve block of the lower extremity for patellar fracture surgery showed satisfactory results. Therefore, it could be a useful method to prevent complications associated with general or spinal anesthesia.

Outcomes of the mini-open Outerbridge-Kashiwagi procedure according to preoperative radiocapitellar joint status.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes in patients treated with the mini-open Outerbridge-Kashiwagi procedure according to radiological grading of the radiocapitellar joint. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with primary elbow arthritis diagnosed between March 2004 and February 2010 were enrolled. Patients without and with radiocapitellar arthrosis were assigned to groups 1 (n = 34) and 2 (n = 29), respectively. The mean follow-up period was 51 months. Clinical outcomes were compared between groups using the presence of resting elbow pain; Morrey pain score; the Mayo Elbow Performance Score; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score; and active range of motion. Radiological outcomes, including the presence of loose bodies and re-ossification of fenestration, were evaluated. RESULTS: No patient in group 1 and 4 patients in group 2 reported resting elbow pain at the final follow-up examination. All pain was on the radial side, and it was aggravated in 2 patients. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and active motion improved in both groups. No significant difference in the Morrey pain score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, or active range of motion was observed between groups. Postoperative deterioration of radiological joint status was similar in the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar joints of both groups. Re-ossification of the fossa fenestration did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: We compared the outcomes of the mini-open Outerbridge-Kashiwagi procedure according to radiocapitellar joint status. Short-term results were satisfactory in both groups, but resting pain associated with newly developed anterior loose bodies led to a poor outcome in group 2. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic III.

Use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to retrieve a broken guidewire.

Subclavian venous catheterization was once widely used for volume resuscitation, emergency venous access, chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, and hemodialysis. However, its use has drastically reduced recently because of life-threatening complications such as hemothorax, pneumothorax. In this case, a patient admitted for a scheduled operation underwent right subclavian venous catheterization for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative volume resuscitation and parenteral nutrition. The procedure was performed by an experienced senior resident. Despite detecting slight resistance during the guidewire insertion, the resident continued the procedure to the point of being unable to advance or remove it, then attempted to forcefully remove the guidewire, but it broke and became entrapped within the thorax. We tried to remove the guidewire through infraclavicular skin incision but failed. So video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was used to remove the broken guidewire. This incident demonstrates the risks of subclavian venous catheterization and the importance of using a proper and gentle technique.

Pinch-off syndrome.

Subclavian venous catheterization was previously frequently performed, but because of life-threatening complications such as hemothorax, pneumothorax, mediastinal hematoma, and myocardial injury, its use has become less common. However, this practice has some advantages in patient mobility, secured dressing, and rapidity and adequacy of vascular access. In some situations where patient comfort is an especially important consideration, such as with totally implantable venous port insertion for chemotherapy, the subclavian route can be a good choice if an experienced and well-trained faculty is available. The authors have had recent experience with pinch-off syndrome-in other words, spontaneous catheter fracture-in 3 patients who had undergone venous port implantation through the right subclavian route. Through these cases, we intend to review the dangers of subclavian venous catheterization, the causes of pinch-off syndrome, and its clinical presentation, progress, treatments, and prevention.

Hepatogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells from peritoneal adipose tissue.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: It has been reported that functional hepatogenic differentiation has the possibility to occur in subcutaneous adipose tissue-derived stem cells. However, no studies have investigated whether the adipose tissue-driven stem cells present in various body parts differ according to hepatogenic differentiations. In this study, stem cells were separated from body visceral fat and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue, and cultured, and then hepatogenic differentiation was induced. We aim to investigate the possibilities and aspects of hepatogenic differentiations within the two types of fat cells. METHODS: Omental fat tissues were obtained as visceral fat and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissues were obtained from patients who had suction-assisted lipectomy. Stem cells were separated from the obtained fat tissues, and then, hepatogenic differentiation was carried out by utilizing 2-step differentiation protocols. RESULTS: After the differentiation, two types of cultured cells that showed the similar neuron-like shapes were changed to cuboidal shapes and included several binucleated cells which could be characteristics of mature hepatocytes. We confirmed that hepatocyte specific genes and proteins such as albumin and CYP3A4 were being expressed. By utilizing the ELISA test, we were able to observe that the albumin was secreted into the culture fluids in both cells. After completing the differentiation, we observed the presence of the hepatocyte specific properties by confirming glycogen storage within the cells and the ICG reagent uptake. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that hepatogenic differentiation was possible to occur in the omental fat as well as subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Managements of simple liver cysts: ablation therapy versus cyst unroofing.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Simple liver cysts were easily recognizable with the advanced imaging procedures, such as ultrasound and computed tomography scan. A large cyst or significant symptoms were indications for the treatments. Ablation therapy with sclerotic agents was effective, but there were several complications including severe pain. With the surgical cyst unroofing method introduced, we compared the cyst unroofing method and ablation therapy. METHODS: Between March 1997 and May 2011, we performed treatments of simple liver cysts in 27 patients. There were 23 women and 4 men (age range: 42-84 years; mean age: 64 years). The cyst unroofing was undergone with laparoscopic (n=13) and open technique (n=1). The ablation therapy was performed with ethanol (n=13) and acetic acid (n=1). RESULTS: The usual symptoms of the liver cysts were abdominal mass (n=7), indigestion (n=4), abdominal discomfort (n=3), and the increasing size of the cysts (n=4). The mean diameter of the cysts was 10.9 cm. The cyst unroofing method was performed effectively in 14 patients. One patient had bleeding during operation, and was converted to the open technique. One patient had a bile leak from the cyst, but it was successfully closed with the laparoscopic technique. Among the 14 cases with the ablation therapy, there were 4 complications: hematoma (n=1); cyst leaking during aspiration (n=2); acute renal failure (n=1); and death due to acetic acid intoxication (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic cyst unroofing was more effective and safer in management than the ablation therapy in simple liver cysts.

Popliteal vein aneurysm as a source of pulmonary embolism: report of a case and review of the world literature.

Although popliteal vein aneurysms are uncommon, they are potentially fatal because they can cause a pulmonary embolism. One-third of patients have further embolic events despite therapeutic anticoagulation. We report the case of a 67-year-old man who presented with dyspnea, rapid respirations, and dull, left pleuritic chest pain of 3-day duration. Computed tomography scanning of chest confirmed the diagnosis of multiple bilateral pulmonary emboli. Color duplex scanning followed by ascending venography confirmed a 3 × 4 cm(2) right saccular aneurysm of above-knee popliteal vein--containing thrombus. Aneurysm was treated with open tangential aneurysmectomy and lateral venorrhaphy.

Crystal structure of prephenate dehydrogenase from Streptococcus mutans.

Prephenate dehydrogenase (PDH) is a bacterial enzyme that catalyzes conversion of prephenate to 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate through the oxidative decarboxylation pathway for tyrosine biosynthesis. This enzymatic pathway exists in prokaryotes but is absent in mammals, indicating that it is a potential target for the development of new antibiotics. The crystal structure of PDH from Streptococcus mutans in a complex with NAD(+) shows that the enzyme exists as a homo-dimer, each monomer consisting of two domains, a modified nucleotide binding N-terminal domain and a helical prephenate C-terminal binding domain. The latter is the dimerization domain. A structural comparison of PDHs from mesophilic S. mutans and thermophilic Aquifex aeolicus showed differences in the long loop between ß6 and ß7, which may be a reason for the high K(m) values of PDH from Streptococcus mutans.

Simultaneous laparoscopic resection of primary colorectal cancer and metastatic liver tumor: initial experience of single institute.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 20%-25% of patients with colorectal cancer have synchronous liver metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Simultaneous resection of primary colorectal cancer and metastatic liver tumor is the treatment option in colorectal cancer with liver metastasis. The aim of this study was to report our initial experiences of simultaneous laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer and liver metastasis. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study of 10 cases of laparoscopic simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer and liver metastasis was carried out. RESULTS: The patients' average age was 63.7 years (range, 48-75 years) and average body mass index was 23.5 kg/m2(range, 20-27.4 kg/m2). The primary cancer was right-sided colon cancer in 4 cases, left-sided colon cancer in 3 cases, and rectal cancer in 3 cases. Single-lesion liver metastasis was found in 6 cases and two or more lesion liver metastasis was found in 4 cases. The mean operating time was 401 minutes (range, 230-620 minutes) and blood loss was 500 mL (range, 60-1000 mL). The mean hospital stay was 10 days (range, 7-15 days). One case was converted to open surgery and anastomotic leakage was encountered in the converted case. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that simultaneous laparoscopic resection of primary colorectal cancer and liver metastasis is safe and technically feasible in selected patients.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma associated with intrahepatic duct stones.

OBJECTIVE: It has been well established that the long-term prognosis of intrahepatic duct stones (IHDS) is complicated by the late development of biliary cirrhosis with associated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC). Despite recent improvements in imaging studies, accurate preoperative diagnosis of IHCC is difficult. Therefore, we attempted to elucidate the clinical features of patients with IHDS with IHCC. METHODS: We reviewed 80 patients with IHDS and divided them into two groups. The DS group included 72 patients who had only IHDS. The second group was defined as the CC group and included eight patients who had IHDS and IHCC. For diagnosis of IHDS and confirmation of coexisting IHCC, patients underwent various radiological evaluations and additional laboratory tests, such as serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the symptoms and stone characteristics between the two groups. For the CC group, liver resection was performed in four patients. Three patients underwent curative resection, but only one of these patients was alive at 36 months without recurrence. CONCLUSION: IHCC with IHDS was difficult to diagnose in the early phase. Therefore, while performing diagnostic studies and surgery for IHDS, one should always consider the possibility of coexisting cholangiocarcinoma.

A liquid chromatographic method for the determination of histamine in immunoglobulin preparation using solid phase extraction and pre-column derivatization.

An immunoglobulin (IgG) preparation with micro-amount of histamine fixed on the active protein fraction has been used to increase the resistance to allergic reactions. However, excessive histamine may cause hypo- or hypertension, headache, or anaphylactic shock and so the histamine content of the drug is strictly controlled by a regulation: 0.15 microg of histamine dihydrochloride is allowed for 12 mg of immunoglobulin. In this study, a liquid chromatographic method to determine micro-amount of histamine in the pharmaceutical was developed and validated. This method include a sample cleanup by a solid phase extraction (SPE) using a polystyrene-divinyl benzene (PS-DVB) polymeric sorbent and high-performance liquid chromatography after precolumn fluorescent labeling of the histamine with o-phthaldialdehyde. The drug sample was loaded to the SPE cartridge after adjusting to pH 9.5. After successive washings of the cartridge with water and 30% aqueous methanol, histamine was then eluted with 100 mM sodium acetate (pH 9.5)-methanol (20:80, v/v). An aliquot from the eluate was labeled with o-phthaldialdehyde-mercaptoethanol (OPA-ME) for fluorescence detection at the excitation maximum of 340 nm and emission maximum of 450 nm. HPLC analysis was performed on a phenyl-hexyl column with an acetonitrile-phosphate buffer (pH 6.8; 50 microM) (35:65, v/v) as the mobile phase. The retention times of histamine and 3-methylhistamine (IS) were approximately 7.2 and 9.5 min, respectively. The quantitation range was between 0.01-0.2 mg/mL of histamine showing good linearity (r=0.9996). This analytical method would provide a potential mean for the strict control of histamine content in the pharmaceutical product.

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (Masson's hemangioma) of the liver: a new hepatic lesion.

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (Masson's hemangioma) is a disease characterized by exuberant endothelial proliferation within the lumen of medium-sized veins. In 1923, Masson regarded this disease as a neoplasm inducing endothelial proliferation, however, now it is considered to be a reactive vascular proliferation following traumatic vascular stasis. The lesion has a propensity to occur in the head, neck, fingers, and trunk. Occurrence within the abdominal cavity is known to be very rare, and especially in the liver, there has been no reported case up to date. The authors have experienced intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the liver in a 69-yr-old woman, and report the case with a review of the literature.