Radioterapia en tumor de células gigantes tenosinovial (sinovitis villonodular pigmentada) / Radiation therapy in tenosynovial giant cell tumor (pigmented villonodular synovitis)

Presentar nuestra experiencia de 18 años en el tratamiento con radioterapia y evaluar cifras de control tumoral local en pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor de células gigantes tenosinovial difuso sinovitis villonodular pigmentada difusa. 33 pacientes, tratados durante el período 2000-2018. En 19 (57,6 %) se practicó sinovectomía parcial, 10 (30,3 %) fueron tratados con artroplastia y sinovectomía, 4 (12,2 %) con sinovectomía total. 32 pacientes recibieron radioterapia posoperatoria, 1 paciente preoperatoria. Técnica más empleada fue planificación 2D 51,5 % seguida de conformada con planificación 3D (RTC3D) 48,5 %. La dosis total promedio administrada 44 Gy (rango 10,5 - 50). Tiempo promedio de tratamiento radiante 28 días (8-35). Tiempo de seguimiento entre 0,7 - 240,8 meses, mediana 12 meses, promedio 52,1 meses. 26 pacientes (79 %) presentaron mejoría de la sintomatología inicial y 6 (18 %) refirieron estabilidad de los síntomas. La respuesta clínica al tratamiento en relación al tiempo de seguimiento, 12 pacientes (36,4 %) estaban asintomáticos, 10 con un seguimiento mayor a 60 meses; 14 (42,4 %) refieren respuesta clínica satisfactoria, (2 con un seguimiento mayor a 60 meses) 6 pacientes presentaban enfermedad estable, para un control local del 97 %. El 87,9 % presentaron dermatitis grado I, 1 desarrolló dermatitis grado II, 3 no presentaron efectos adversos. La radioterapia es una modalidad de tratamiento muy efectiva como adyuvante a la sinovectomía, observándose altas tasas de control local de la enfermedad con una baja morbilidad(AU)

To report our eighteen-year experience with radiation therapy in the treatment of diffuse tenosinovial giant cell tumor / diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis and to assess local control of the disease. A review of 33 patients with treated with radiation therapy during the period 2000-2018 was done. 19 (57.6 %) partial synovectomy was performed, 10 (30.3 %) underwent arthroplasty plus synovectomy, 4 (12.2 %) total synovectomy. 32 patients received radiotherapy postoperative and 1 pre-operative. Most common technique employed was conventional (2D) in 51.5 % and 3D conformal (3DCRT) in 48.5 %. The average total dose was 44 Gy (range 10.5-50), with a mean treatment time of 28 days (8-35). Follow-up time ranged from 0.7- 240.8 months, median time and mean time of 12 and 52.1 months respectively After RT 26 (79 %) of the patients obtained improvement of the initial symptoms and 6 (18 %) were stable. 12 patients (36.4 %) were asymptomatic with follow-up time longer than 36 months (10 of 12 had follow-up time >60 months), 14 (42.4 %) had significant clinical improvement (2 of 14 had follow-up time >60 months), and 6 had stable disease, local control of 97 %. Complications were few, acute skin toxicity was grade I in 29 (87.9%) and grade II in 1 patient. There was no significant chronic toxicity. Radiation therapy is an effective adjuvant treatment modality after synovectomy in patients with high local control rates and low morbidity(AU)

Perfil clínico-angiográfico e tratamento de pacientes submetidos à exame diagnóstico de cineangiocoronariografia em centro terciário público de grande volume entre 2011 e 2018 / Clinical-angiographic profile and treatment of patients undergoing diagnostic examination of coronary angiography in a large public tertiary center between 2011 and 2018

INTRODUÇÃO: As doenças cardiovasculares estão entre as principais causas de mortalidade global e, dentre elas, destaca-se a doença arterial coronariana (DAC), cujo diagnóstico precoce e prevenção ainda continuam sendo a melhor forma de tratamento. O conhecimento do perfil clínico e angiográfico dos pacientes portadores de DAC é extremamente importante para a avaliação de risco, a partir da quantificação da extensão e gravidade da doença, assim como para o planejamento terapêutico e sucesso do tratamento. O nosso objetivo foi avaliar o perfil clínico e angiográfico dos pacientes submetidos a exame diagnóstico de cineangiocoronariografia em centro clínico de alto volume. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo e descritivo do perfil clínico-angiográfico dos pacientes >18 anos submetidos à cineangiocoronariografia diagnóstica no Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia de janeiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2018, excluindo os pacientes com cirurgia de revascularização prévia e doença valvar associada. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de um banco de dados institucional. RESULTADOS: Um total de 25649 pacientes foram incluídos, sendo 59,4% do sexo masculino, com média das idades de 66,1 anos. Os fatores de risco cardiovasculares mais frequentemente encontrados foram: hipertensão arterial sistêmica (80,5%), dislipidemia (60,5%), diabetes mellitus (32,3%), tabagismo (40,9%), e doença renal crônica (21,5%). O quadro clínico era de angina estável em 32,5%, síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA) sem supra de ST em 20,4% incluindo SCA com supra de ST em 6,1%, e isquemia silenciosa/assintomáticos em 37,5%. Em relação ao perfil angiográfico, a doença arterial coronariana obstrutiva significativa (>50%) foi uni-, bi- ou tri arterial em, respectivamente, 25,7%, 17,5% e 12,22%, além do tronco da coronária esquerda em 1,4%. A partir do exame diagnóstico, a intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) foi realizada em 14,7% dos pacientes, predominantemente naqueles com apresentação clínica de SCA. Os vasos coronários tratados mais frequentes foram descendente anterior em 40,9%, coronária direita em 29,5% e circunflexa em 23,2%. O sucesso angiográfico foi evidenciado em 99,2% dos casos. Em relação aos desfechos clínicos na fase intra-hospitalar, foi reportado a ocorrência de óbito em 0,3% dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: A população estudada apresentou elevada prevalência de fatores de risco cardiovasculares e de doença coronária obstrutiva significativa. Já os pacientes submetidos a ICP subsequente, apresentaram elevada taxa de sucesso no procedimento. (AU)

Tumores cerebrales pediátricos experiencia de 10 años / Mucinous carcinoma of the breast ten years experience

Estimar la sobrevida de pacientes pediátricos con tumores cerebrales tratados en la Unidad de Radioterapia Oncológica GURVE del Instituto Médico la Floresta. Análisis de 137 pacientes pediátricos con tumores primarios del sistema nervioso central vistos entre enero de 2000 a diciembre de 2010. Los pacientes recibieron tratamiento posoperatorio con radioterapia y quimioterapia. La dosis total de radioterapia se administró de acuerdo al tipo histológico oscilando entre 5 040 cGy-6 000 cGy. Dosis fracción fue 180 cGy y (150 cGy diario casos tratados con irradiación craneoespinal). El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue 44,2 meses con un rango 2,2 a137,4 meses. La edad osciló de 2-18 años media 12 años. En 77 (52,2%) fueron masculinos y 60 (47,7%) femenino. El sitio anatómico más frecuente fue la región infratentorial 85 (62%) seguidas 49 (35,7%) en la región supratentorial y 1 en región espinal. Los tumores más frecuentes resultaron ser gliomas con 74 (54,7%) y PNET´s 23(16,1%). La sobrevida global para los gliomas de bajo grado fue 87,5% a los 5 y 10 años respectivamente. En los gliomas de alto grado se encontró una sobrevida global 30,2% a los 5 años. En los tumores de tallo cerebral la sobrevida a los 5 años fue 9,4%. La sobrevida global obtenida en los pacientes pediátricos tratados con radioterapia y en algunos casos con quimioterapia es similar a los publicados en la literatura internacional.

To estimated super life in pediatric patients treated in the Department of Radiation Oncology, GURVE, the Floresta Medical Institute. A retrospective analysis of survival of 137 pediatric patients with primary tumors of the central nervous system from January 2000 to December 2010 was done. Patients received postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The total dose of radiotherapy ranged from 5 040 cGy to 6 000 cGy, using a daily dose of 180 cGy, (and 150 cGy per day in cases treated with craneo spinal irradiation) depending on the histological type. Mean follow-up time was 44.2 months, with a range of 2.2-137.4 month. Age ranged from 2 to 18 years average of 12 years. As for the sex distribution 77 (52.2%) were males and 60 (47.7%) were females. The most common anatomic site was the infratentorial region in 85 patients (62%), followed by 49 (35.7%) in the supratentorial region and 1 in spinal region. The most common histological type found were gliomas in 74 patients (54.7%) and PNET´s in 23 (16.1%). Overall survival for low-grade gliomas was 87.5% at 5 and 10 years respectively. In high-grade gliomas overall survival was 30.2% at 5 years. In tumors of the brain stem survival at 5 years was 9.4%. Overall survival in pediatric patients with brain tumors treated with radiation therapy and in some cases chemotherapy was similar to those found in international literature.

Tocilizumab for the treatment of large-vessel vasculitis (giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis) and polymyalgia rheumatica.

OBJECTIVE: The interleukin-6 pathway is up-regulated in giant cell arteritis (GCA), Takayasu arteritis (TA), and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). We retrospectively assessed the outcomes of 10 patients with relapsing/refractory GCA, TA, or PMR treated with tocilizumab (TCZ). METHODS: Patients with GCA (n = 7), TA (n = 2), and PMR (n = 1) received TCZ. Seven subjects had failed at least 1 second-line agent. The outcomes evaluated were symptoms of disease activity, inflammatory markers, ability to taper glucocorticoids, and cross-sectional imaging when indicated clinically. RESULTS: The mean followup time of this cohort since diagnosis was 27 months (range 16-60 months). The patients were treated with TCZ for a mean period of 7.8 months (range 4-12 months). Before TCZ therapy, the patients experienced an average of 2.4 flares/year. All patients entered and maintained clinical remission during TCZ therapy. The mean daily prednisone dosages before and after TCZ initiation were 20.8 mg/day (range 7-34.3 mg/day) and 4.1 mg/day (range 0-10.7 mg/day), respectively (P = 0.0001). The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate declined from 41.5 mm/hour (range 11-68 mm/hour) to 7 mm/hour (range 2.2-11.3 mm/hour; P = 0.0001). The adverse effects of TCZ included mild neutropenia (n = 4) and transaminitis (n = 4). One patient flared 2 months after TCZ discontinuation. An autopsy on 1 patient who died from a postoperative myocardial infarction following elective surgery revealed persistent vasculitis of large and medium-sized arteries. CONCLUSION: TCZ therapy led to clinical and serologic improvement in patients with refractory/relapsing GCA, TA, or PMR. The demonstration of persistent large-vessel vasculitis at autopsy of 1 patient who had shown a substantial response requires close scrutiny in larger studies.

Radioterapia hipofraccionada en el tratamiento preservador del cáncer de mama en estadio precoz resultados preliminares / Hypo fraction radiation therapy in the preserved tratment of early breast cancer

Resultados preliminares del tratamiento con radioterapia hipofraccionada, en pacientes con cáncer de mama en estadio precoz, y cirugía preservadora. Análisis retrospectivo de 64 pacientes estadios 0, I y II, ganglios negativos, tratadas entre marzo 2009 abril 2011. Tratamiento con planificación conformada tridimensional, dosis de 42,6 Gy en 16 fracciones de 2,66 Gy a toda la mama, más dosis adicional de 7,98 Gy en 3 fracciones al lecho del tumor primario. La distribución por estadios fue: estadio 0 15/ 64 pacientes 23,4%; estadio I 41/64 64,1%, estadio II 8/64 12,6%. Seguimiento de 1 a 2,3 meses, promedio 4,4 meses. Todas las pacientes se encuentran vivas, libres de enfermedad hasta el momento. Complicaciones agudas: 85,94 radiodermatitis grado 0-I (55/64), 7,81% radiodermatitis grado II (5/64),3,1% grado III (2/64) y 2 pacientes no fueron evaluables, 6-24 meses después de finalizar la irradiación, 53,1% no presentó complicaciones, 32,8% (21/64) presentaron radiodermatitis grado I (eritema, hiperpigmentación), 1,6% (1) dermatitis grado II, 2 pacientes dermatitis grado III,6/64 (9,3%). 3 estudios aleatorios han demostrado la efectividad de los regímenes de hipofraccionamiento, resultados comparables a los esquemas de fraccionamiento convencional. Los resultados preliminares, nos animan a continuar el empleo de estos esquemas de radioterapia en la práctica clínica. Es necesario un mayor tiempo de seguimiento en la serie de pacientes presentadas, para evaluar los resultados de control local, sobrevida y morbilidad tardía por radioterapia

Preliminary results obtained with hypo fractionated radiotherapy in patients with early breast cancer who have undergone breast conserving surgery. Retrospective analysis 64 patients treated from March 2009- April 2011. Treated with 3D conformal radiation therapy; dose 42.6 Gy in 16 fractions 2.66 Gy was given to the breast followed by a boost to tumor bed of 7.98 Gy in 3 fractions. Distribution according to stage was: Stage 0 15/64 patients 23.4%; stage I 41/64 64.1% and stage II 8/64 12.6%. Mean follow up 4, 4 months, with range 1 to 2.3 months. All patients are alive and free of disease, at moment analysis the data. Acute complications: Grade 0-1 skin reactions 85.94% (55/64 ), grade II 7.81% (5/64 ), grade III 3,1% (2/64), 2 patients could not be evaluated. 6-24 months after completion treatment 53,1% had no complications; 32.8% (21/64) grade I dermatitis (Erythema, hyper pigmentation); 1.6% (1) grade II, 2 patients grade III dermatitis, 6/64 patients (9.3%) there was mild subcutaneous fibrosis. 3 randomized clinical trials, regimens of hypo fraction y have produced results comparable to conventional fractionation. The preliminary results of this study are encouraging; we continue to apply this regimen in the clinical practice. Obviously a longer follow up time is necessary to determine results regarding survival, local control and chronic complications of radiotherapy in the present study

Radioterapia estereotáctica extracraneal un nuevo paradigma: en terapéutica oncológica: experiencia preliminar / Extra cranial stereotactic radiation therapy: a new paradigm in oncology therapeutic: preliminar experience

Presentar resultados preliminares del tratamiento con radioterapia estereotáctica extracraneal en metástasis hepáticas, tumores pulmonares y otras lesiones metastásicas. Se describe método terapéutico y se presenta un análisis prospectivo de 25 pacientes tratados en el servicio de radioterapia la Trinidad con esta modalidad de radioterapia de alta precisión, desde marzo de 2009. Se utilizó un acelerador lineal Varian® IX versión Trilogy con equipo de imágenes incorporado. Las dosis de radioterapia oscilaron entre 60 Gy en 3 fracciones a 44,5 Gy en 10 fracciones. El tiempo de seguimiento osciló de <1 mes a 16 meses. Se incluyeron un total de 25 individuos (44 lesiones); 14 pacientes con metástasis hepáticas, 5 con metástasis pulmonares (3 de ellos también recibieron tratamiento por metástasis hepáticas), 4 con tumores primarios de pulmón, 2 con metástasis vertebrales y 3 con otras lesiones secundarias. La tolerancia al tratamiento fue en general satisfactoria, sin complicaciones severas. Se observó estabilización o regresión parcial de las lesiones en 17 pacientes, persistencia o progresión local en 3 pacientes. En 13 individuos la enfermedad a distancia permaneció estable y en 10 ocurrió progresión de la misma, durante este tiempo limitado de seguimiento. Cuatro pacientes han fallecido con enfermedad. La radioterapia extracraneal estereotáctica es una modalidad terapéutica novedosa, con gran potencial en el manejo multidisciplinario de las enfermedades neoplásicas. Los resultados preliminares de este trabajo, demuestran su efectividad, seguridad y la factibilidad de su aplicación en nuestro país

Present the preliminary results obtained with stereotactic body radiation therapy in liver metastases, pulmonary tumors and other metastatic lesions. Treatment is described, presenting a prospective analysis of 25 patients treated in La Trinidad Radiation Therapy Service since March 2009. Patients were treated using a dual energy IX Varian® linear accelerator Trilogy version, with on board imaging. Doses of radiation varied from 60 Gy in 3 fractions to 44.5 Gy in 10 fractions. Follow up time varied from < 1 month to 16 months. Total of 25 patients were included in the study (44 lesions); 14 patients with liver metastases, 5 with lung metastases (3 of them also received treatment for liver metastases), 4 primary lung tumors, 2 vertebral metastases, and 3 with other metastatic lesions. Treatment was in general well tolerated with no serious complications. Partial regression or stabilization of the treated lesions occurred in 17 patients, persistence or local progression was seen in 3 patients. In 13 individuals there was no appearance of new metastatic disease and 10 showed progression of distant disease, during this limited follow up time. Four patients have died with disease. Stereotactic body radiation is a novel high precision radiation therapy technique with a great potential in the multidisciplinary management of patients with neoplastic disease. The preliminary results of this study and the review of the literature support the safety, and effectiveness of this treatment modality and the feasibility of employing in Venezuela

Quiste óseo aneurismático simulando tumoración de rinofaringe / Aneurismatic bone cyst simulate rhino pharyns tumor

Los quistes óseos aneurismáticos del área de cabeza y cuello representan menos del 5% de todos los tumores óseos. Son lesiones benignas, que comúnmente afectan las metáfisis de los huesos largos y las vértebras como en el caso que se describe a continuación, simulando una lesión de la rinofaringe. Se describe su manejo y tratamiento.

The aneurismal of bone cyst of the head and neck localization, represent less than the 5% of the all bone tumors. They are benign lesions, and commonly affecting the metaphysis of the long bones and vertebrae, like in the case we described below, it simulating the rhino pharynx lesion. We describe the management and treatment.

Plasminogen interaction and activation on Streptococcus mutans surface.

A number of pathogenic microorganisms have been previously shown to bind plasminogen. The subsequent activation of plasminogen into plasmin can contribute to their virulence. In this study, we have shown that Streptococcus mutans is able to bind both human plasminogen and plasmin. Binding of plasminogen to S. mutans was inhibited by L-lysine and epsilon-aminocaproic acid, indicating that binding is mediated via lysine-binding sites of plasminogen. S. mutans enhanced the activation of plasminogen by tissue plasminogen activator but not by urokinase. This enhancement turned out to be dependent on cell concentration. Zymogram analysis showed that the plasmin activity acquired after plasminogen binding and activation is the most important proteolytic activity in the strain tested. These results suggest a mechanism involving acquisition of a host protease that might contribute to the infective process of this microorganism.

Evidence for clonal propagation in natural isolates of Plasmodium falciparum from Venezuela.

We have analyzed 75 isolates of Plasmodium falciparum, collected in Venezuela during both the dry (November) and rainy (May-July) seasons, with a range of genetic markers including antigen genes and 14 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers. Thirteen P. falciparum stocks from Kenya and four other Plasmodium species are included in the analysis for comparison. Cross-hybridization shows that the 14 RAPD primers reveal 14 separate regions of the parasite's genome. The P. falciparum isolates are a monophyletic clade, significantly different from the other Plasmodium species. We identify three RAPD characters that could be useful as "tags" for rapid species identification. The Venezuelan genotypes fall into two discrete genetic subdivisions associated with either the dry or the rainy season; the isolates collected in the rainy season exhibit greater genetic diversity. There is significant linkage disequilibrium in each seasonal subsample and in the full sample. In contrast, no linkage disequilibrium is detected in the African sample. These results support the hypothesis that the population structure of P. falciparum in Venezuela, but not in Africa, is predominantly clonal. However, the impact of genetic recombination on Venezuelan P. falciparum seems higher than in parasitic species with long-term clonal evolution like Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas' disease. The genetic structure of the Venezuelan samples is similar to that of Escherichia coli, a bacterium that propagates clonally, with occasional genetic recombination.

The nasogastric tube syndrome: two case reports and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The nasogastric tube syndrome is a potentially life-threatening complication of an indwelling nasogastric (NG) tube. The syndrome is thought to result from ulceration and infection of the posterior cricoid region with subsequent dysfunction of vocal cord abduction. This dysfunction may present as complete loss of vocal cord abduction manifested as serious airway compromise. Reports of this syndrome are infrequent, with only 29 cases published to date. METHODS: Two additional cases of nasogastric tube syndrome diagnosed at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics over a 2-year period are presented. A search of MEDLINE (1966 through February 1999), including review of those articles' references identified seven previous publications, including 29 case reports. These 29 cases are reviewed and the findings summarized. RESULTS: Twenty-nine cases of NG tube syndrome are identified, with 16 of these occurring in the preantibiotic period. Including the two cases presented here, 15 contemporary patients are examined. Among these 15 cases, 10 required tracheostomy, on average 8.5 days after NG tube placement. CONCLUSION: Although the fully manifested syndrome presents quite dramatically, we suspect that a clinical spectrum of severity exists with less severe cases going unrecognized. Consistent with previous reports, we found that direct visualization of the postcricoid region is required to rule out the diagnosis and recommend such action be taken whenever the diagnosis is suspected. Treatment should include establishment of a safe airway, removal of the tube whenever possible, antibiotic therapy, and antireflux therapy.

Toxina termolábil de escherichia coli enterotoxigénica: extracción, producción de antisuero y pruebas inmunoquímicas preliminares / Heat-labile toxin of escherichia coli: extraction, antiserum and preliminary testing immunochemistrys production

La toxina termolábil (TL) de escherichia coli enterotoxigénica (ECET) ha sido intensamente estudiada. Sin embargo, los sistemas de detección existentes son complejos y costosos. Tratando de contribuir en este sentido, en nuestra investigación se extrajo la TL de ECET. Se produjeron antisueros específicos cuya eficiencia fue demostrada a través de contrainmunoelectroforesis. Se confirmó la presencia de la TL en el periplasma bacteriano y en menor proporción nivel del envoltorio celular. Los resultados sugieren la existencia de diferencias marcadas entre las cepas de ECET. El antisuero antiperiplásmico y las células enteras demostraron ser el mejor antisuero y el mejor antígeno respectivamente, los cuales junto con la contrainmunoelectroforesis, pueden ser el punto de partida para el desarrollo de nuevos sistemas de diagnóstico

Point mutations in dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase genes of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Venezuela.

The present study was designed to characterize mutations in dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) genes of Plasmodium falciparum in the Bolivar region of Venezuela, where high levels of clinical resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP, Fansidar; F. Hoffman-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland) has been documented. We used a nested mutation-specific polymerase chain reaction and restriction digestion methods to measure 1) the prevalence of DHFR mutations at 16, 50, 51, 59, 108, and 164 codon positions, and 2) the prevalence of mutations in the 436, 437, 581, and 613 codon sites in DHPS gene. In the case of the DHFR gene, of the 54 parasite isolates analyzed, we detected the presence of Asn-108 and Ile-51 in 96% of the isolates and Arg-50 mutation in 64% of the isolates. Each of these mutations has been associated with high level of resistance to pyrimethamine. Only 2 samples (4%) showed the wild type Ser-108 mutation and none showed Thr-108 and Val-16 mutations that are specific for resistance to cycloguanil. In the case of DHPS gene, we found a mutation at position 437 (Gly) in 100% of the isolates and Gly-581 in 96% of the isolates. The simultaneous presence of mutations Asn-108 and Ile-51 in the DHFR gene and Gly-437 and Gly-581 in the DHPS gene in 96% of the samples tested suggested that a cumulative effect of mutations could be the major mechanism conferring high SP resistance in this area.

Evaluation of DNA recombinant methodologies for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum and their comparison with the microscopy assay.

Since 1984, DNA tests based on the highly repeated subtelomeric sequences of Plasmodium falciparum (rep 20) have been frequently used in malaria diagnosis. Rep 20 is very specific for this parasite, and is made of 21 bp units, organized in repeated blocks with direct and inverted orientation. Based in this particular organization, we selected a unique consensus oligonucleotide (pf-21) to drive a PCR reaction coupled to hybridization to non-radioactive labeled probes. The pf-21 unique oligo PCR (pf-21-I) assay produced DNA amplification fingerprints when was applied on purified P. falciparum DNA samples (Brazil and Colombia), as well as in patient's blood samples from a large area of Venezuela. The performance of the Pf-21-I assay was compared against Giemsa stained thick blood smears from samples collected at a malaria endemic area of the Bolivar State, Venezuela, at the field station of Malariología in Tumeremo. Coupled to non-radioactive hybridization the pf-21-I performed better than the traditional microscopic method with a r = 1.7:1. In the case of mixed infections the r value of P. falciparum detection increased to 2.5:1. The increased diagnostic sensitivity of the test produced with this homologous oligonucleotide could provide an alternative to the epidemiological diagnosis of P. falciparum being currently used in Venezuela endemic areas, where low parasitemia levels and asymptomatic malaria are frequent. In addition, the DNA fingerprint could be tested in molecular population studies.

Evaluation of DNA recombinant methodologies for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum and their comparison with the microscopy assay

Since 1984, DNA tests based on the highly repeated subtelomeric sequences of Plasmodium falciparum (rep 20) have been frequently used in malaria diagnosis. Rep 20 is very specific for the parasite, and is made of 21 bp units, organized in repeated blocks with direct and inverted orientation. Based in this particular organization, we selected a unique consensus oligonucleotide (pf-21) to drive a PCR reaction coupled to hybridization to non-radioactive labeled probes. The pf-21 unique oligo PCR (pf-21-I) assay produced DNA amplification fingerprints when was applied on purified P. falciparum DNA samples (Brazil and Colombia), as well as in patient's blood samples from a large area of Venezuela. The performance of the Pf-21 assay was compared against Giemsa stained thick blood from samples collected at a malaria endemic area of the Bolivar State, Venezuela, at the field station of Malariologia in Tumereno. Coupled to non-radioactive hybridization the pf-21 performed better than the tradicional microscopic method with a r=1.7:1. In the case of mixed infections the r value of P. falciparum detection increased to 2.5:1. The increased diagnostic sensitivity of the test produced with this homologous oligonucleotide could provide an alternative to the epidemiological diagnosis of P. falciparum being currently used in Venezuela endemic areas, where low parasitema levels and asymptomatic malaria are frequent. In addition, the DNA fingerprint could be tested in molecular population studies.

Spigelian hernia: diagnosis by high-resolution real-time sonography.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the role of high-resolution real-time sonography in the diagnosis of spigelian hernias. The sonographic findings in three patients, two of whom had surgical confirmation, are presented. We also discuss and demonstrate the anatomic and pathologic factors that predispose to these hernias. In all three cases, real-time high-resolution sonography was very helpful in providing detailed images of the abdominal wall defect, the hernial sac and contents, and the relationship of the contents to the spigelian fascia and the rectus, external oblique, and internal oblique muscles. The role of the Valsalva and other provocative maneuvers in demonstrating the "in and out" sliding movement of the contents of the hernia also is discussed. Although the number of cases in our study is small, we think that this modality may be the most effective means for establishing this diagnosis, especially in cases with equivocal clinical findings.

Pleomorphic melanoma mimicking sarcoma.

Malignant melanoma may display a wide variety of unusual morphologic patterns that simulate unrelated neoplasms. The diagnostic approach to such complex and morphologically divergent lesions requires thorough and extensive scrutiny not only by routine light microscopy, but also by immunohistochemical and ultrastructural evaluation. We have reported the case of a patient with a mass on the heel exhibiting complex morphology that illustrates the value of such a systematic approach.

Adenocarcinoma of the vermiform appendix.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is rare. Eleven patients with this rare neoplasm have been evaluated at our institution over a 50-year period. We have reviewed the presentation and clinical course of these patients, and have compared them with those described in the literature. The presenting signs and symptoms, physical findings, and treatment were similar to those described in the literature. However, the 5-year survival of 20% is lower than most series, and reflects the advanced stage of disease at the time of diagnosis in this group of patients. Despite the low 5-year survival, we feel that aggressive therapy (right hemicolectomy) is necessary to obtain long-term survival.

The prevalence and severity of late effects in normal rat duodenum following intraoperative irradiation.

In humans, a portion of the duodenum is often at risk for radiation-induced complications following intraoperative radiation therapy for pancreatic carcinoma. To determine experimentally the prevalence and severity of late effects in the normal mammalian duodenum, 190 rats received single doses of 0, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 40 Gy orthovoltage X rays to temporarily exteriorized 3 cm circumferential segments of duodenum. The animals were killed 2, 6, 8, or 10 months later. Actuarial survival, change in body weight, and a radiation injury score based on eight histopathologic alterations were used as endpoints. Epithelial atypia, intestinal wall fibrosis, serosal thickening, and vascular sclerosis were the dominant histopathologic alterations at all dose levels throughout the 10-month observation period. The prevalence and severity of histologic radiation injury showed sigmoidal dose-response relationships with the plateaus starting at 20 Gy. Doses of 20 Gy or greater also resulted in a substantial loss of body weight and a high level of early deaths (20-80 days). All endpoints indicate that intraoperative doses of 20 Gy or greater are associated with unacceptable risks of late and irreversible complications.

Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor metastatic to the orbit.

Primary gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors rarely metastasize to the orbit, but an aggressive approach is warranted for any patient with a history of carcinoid tumor and ocular complaints. The diagnosis can be established only by obtaining tissue for histologic examination. Treatment, usually with radiation, can result in symptomatic improvement and should be considered after confirmation of the diagnosis.