Intratumoral hemorrhage-related differences in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and thioredoxin reductase 1 in human glioblastoma.

The present study was designed to evaluate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with and without intratumoral hemorrhage. Surgically resected human GBM samples from 20 patients who underwent surgery at our institute were extracted from the histopathological specimens and divided into two groups. A total of 10 samples from each type of GBM (World Health Organization grade IV, intratumoral hemorrhage-positive or -negative) were included in each group. VEGF, bFGF and TrxR1 expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and the results were compared between groups. VEGF and bFGF immunoreactivity was significantly higher in GBMs containing intratumoral hemorrhage. Furthermore, VEGF, bFGF and TrxR1 immunointensity was significantly higher in GBMs containing intratumoral hemorrhage. Thus, the present study demonstrated a higher VEGF, bFGF and TrxR1 expression in GBMs contain intratumoral hemorrhage, indicatiogn a role of VEGF, bFGF and TrxR1 expression in the promotion of tumoral angiogenesis and tumoral growth by complex mechanisms that require further elucidation.

Anatomic and radiologic analysis of the atlantal part of the vertebral artery.

The horizontal third segment (V3h) of the vertebral artery (VA) in 7 cadavers (14 sides) was dissected and the anatomical measurements recorded. Measurements from 24 healthy individuals (48 sides) were taken for comparison using multislice CT scanning. The distance between the medial tip of the VA V3h and the line passing through the mid point of the posterior tuberculum of the atlas was marked as length A. The distance between the medial tip of the VA V3h and the point penetrating the dura mater was classified as length B. The angle between these lines was the alpha (alpha) angle. Measurements were taken when the head was in a neutral position, as well as in maximum right and left rotation, extension and flexion. In cadavers, the mean alpha angle (+/-S.D.) was 82.42+/-10.34 degrees and 83.21+/-10.81 degrees on the right and left side, respectively. On multislice CT scanning, the mean alpha angle was 81.64+/-10.15 degrees on the right and 83.77+/-10.65 degrees on the left. These angles varied with the position of the head.

Primary spinal intradural extramedullary hydatid cyst in a child.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Spinal hydatid cyst is a serious form of hydatid disease affecting less than 1% of the total cases of hydatid disease. We present a case of pathologically confirmed primary intradural spinal cyst hydatid in an otherwise healthy patient who showed no other evidence of systemic hydatid cyst disease. CASE REPORT: An 8-year-old boy presented with back pain, left leg pain, and difficulty in walking. The patient had no other signs of systemic hydatid cyst disease. An intradural extramedullary cystic lesion was identified with magnetic resonance imaging and was shown to be a hydatid cyst by histopathologic examination after the surgical removal. CONCLUSION: Although extremely rare, primary intradural extramedullary hydatid cyst pathology might be the cause of leg pain and gait disturbance in children living in endemic areas.