ABSTRACT
In this report, we describe four cases of granulomatous amebic encephalitis caused by Balamuthia (Leptomyxid ameba) in four previously healthy Mexican patients. All four cases were characterized by focal neurologic signs, increased intracranial pressure, and cerebral hyperdense lesions in computed tomography scans of the head. These patients underwent craniotomies for evaluation of mass lesions for possible brain tumors. Granulomatous chronic inflammatory reaction and amebic trophozoites were found in brain biopsies. At autopsy, areas of hemorrhagic encephalomalacia were located in both basal frontal lobes, right parieto-occipital lobes, and, less often, in the brainstem and cerebellum. Angiitis, necrotizing granulomatous encephalitis, and large numbers of amebic trophozoites in perivascular spaces were present. Amebic trophozoites were seen in the left adrenal gland in one of the cases. The amebas in all four cases were identified as Balamuthia mandrillaris (Leptomyxiidae) based on their reactivity with the anti-Balamuthia (Leptomyxiidae) serum in an immunofluorescence test.
Subject(s)
Amebiasis/pathology , Amoeba/isolation & purification , Encephalitis/pathology , Adolescent , Adult , Amebiasis/parasitology , Amoeba/classification , Animals , Child , Child, Preschool , Encephalitis/parasitology , Fatal Outcome , Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect , Humans , Male , MexicoABSTRACT
An electrochemical brain fixation procedure (EBFP) to treat brains excised from human cadavers is described thoroughly. It is as precise as any other similar method currently available. However, it takes only as much as 36 h to completion instead of the much longer lapses required by immersion in formaldehyde. Actions were taken to secure that it is not a source of artifacts of any kind, neither neurons nor glia or blood vessels. It is, therefore, amenable to be used as a valuable research and teaching tool. Other advantages are that it does not pose any health hazard, is money- and time-saving, and cuts down on equipment and facilities.
Subject(s)
Brain Chemistry , Electrochemistry/methods , Tissue Fixation/methods , Adult , Cadaver , Female , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
This is the first attempt to harden all organs of a body together without excising them. This process was accomplished in bottom-belted, gastrointestinal (GI) or intravenously (i.v.) catheterized dog cadavers so as to influx an electrolytic solution containing formaldehyde (ESF). The i.v. influx of ESF was found to be the best perfusion pathway. After 48 h of immersion in ESF, 24 h current time of 17.5 A of current intensity, 24 degrees to 56 degrees C, we ended up with thoroughly fixed dog cadavers that were wrapped with ethyl alcohol:glycerol gauzes and stored in plastic bags at room temperature. Optical microscopy of every sliced tissue showed normal blood vessels, neurons, glial and Purkinje cells and their nuclei of brain and cerebellum, respectively. Cardiac muscle fibers were of normal appearance. Kidney Bowman's capsule and space were found to be normal except for vacuolarly degenerated tubules. Small intestine showed normal epithelial cells and crypts of Lieberkühn. In liver, sinusoids were normally arrayed but showed vacuolar cell degeneration. Herein a method to attain an electrochemical whole body fixation is described.
Subject(s)
Electrochemistry/methods , Histological Techniques , Tissue Fixation/methods , Animals , DogsABSTRACT
We describe a 31 years old female who suffered an spontaneous dissection of the left main coronary trunk. She presented with an acute hemorrhagic myocardial infarction complicated with bifascicular block and fatal left ventricular failure. Pathological features demonstrated severe proximal left coronary artery intimal dissection and extensive hemorrhagic infarction of the left ventricle, as well as absence of atherosclerotic aortic or coronary artery disease. The severity of the clinical picture and relentless deterioration of the patient precluded the utilization of coronary arteriography to assess an emergency surgical procedure. Early and vigorous management including emergency coronary angiography, balloon counterpulsation and surgical treatment are stressed and should be carefully weighted in similar cases.
Subject(s)
Aortic Dissection/etiology , Coronary Disease/etiology , Myocardial Infarction/complications , Adult , Aortic Dissection/pathology , Coronary Disease/pathology , Female , Heart Block/etiology , HumansABSTRACT
Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 31 anos de edad que presento una diseccon espontanea del tronco principal de la arteria coronaria izquierda y sus ramas principales, la que se manifesto por un cuadro de infarto agudo del miocardio de localizacion anterolateral, complicado con bloqueo bifascicular, angor persistente e insuficiente ventricular izquierda que lo llevaron a la muerte. Describimos los hallazgos anatomopatologicos que muestran la presencia de la diseccion de las arterias coronarias y el infarto hemorragico, asi como la ausencia de lesiones aterosclerosas a nivel coronario y aortico. Son pocas las publicaciones de casos de diseccion coronaria y menos aun abarcando el tronco principal, que al igual que el infarto peripartum constituye un problema particular y complejo de la cardiopatia isquemica aun no resuelto
