Calcium Microcrystal Formation in Recurrent Herniation Patients After Autologous Disc Cell Transplantation.

Autologous disc cell transplantation (ADCT) is a cell-based therapy aiming to initiate regeneration of intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue, but little is known about potential risks. This study aims to investigate the presence of structural phenomena accompanying the transformation process after ADCT treatment in IVD disease. Structural phenomena of ADCT-treated patients (Group 1, n = 10) with recurrent disc herniation were compared to conventionally-treated patients with recurrent herniation (Group 2, n = 10) and patients with a first-time herniation (Group 3, n = 10). For ethical reasons, a control group of ADCT patients who did not have a recurrent disc herniation was not possible. Tissue samples were obtained via micro-sequestrectomy after disc herniation and analyzed by micro-computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and histology in terms of calcification zones, tissue structure, cell density, cell morphology, and elemental composition. The major differentiator between sample groups was calcium microcrystal formation in all ADCT samples, not found in any of the control group samples, which may indicate disc degradation. The incorporation of mineral particles provided clear contrast between the different materials and chemical analysis of a single particle indicated the presence of magnesium-containing calcium phosphate. As IVD calcification is a primary indicator of disc degeneration, further investigation of ADCT and detailed investigations assessing each patient's Pfirrmann degeneration grade following herniation is warranted. Structural phenomena unique to ADCT herniation prompt further investigation of the therapy's mechanisms and its effect on IVD tissue. However, the impossibility of a perfect control group limits the generalizable interpretation of the results.

Image data compression in diagnostic imaging: international literature review and workflow recommendation.

PURPOSE: Today healthcare policy is based on effectiveness. Diagnostic imaging became a "pacesetter" due to amazing technical developments (e. g. multislice CT), extensive data volumes, and especially the well defined workflow-orientated scenarios on a local and (inter)national level. To make centralized networks sufficient, image data compression has been regarded as the key to a simple and secure solution. In February 2008 specialized working groups of the DRG held a consensus conference. They designed recommended data compression techniques and ratios. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The purpose of our paper is an international review of the literature of compression technologies, different imaging procedures (e. g. DR, CT etc.), and targets (abdomen, etc.) and to combine recommendations for compression ratios and techniques with different workflows. The studies were assigned to 4 different levels (0 - 3) according to the evidence. 51 studies were assigned to the highest level 3. RESULTS: We recommend a compression factor of 1 : 8 (excluding cranial scans 1:5). For workflow reasons data compression should be based on the modalities (CT, etc.). PACS-based compression is currently possible but fails to maximize workflow benefits. Only the modality-based scenarios achieve all benefits. CONCLUSION: Imaging equipment manufacturers are encouraged to improve the compression technology of their imaging devices (e. g. freely selectable compression ratios in the output filter). Double compression should be strictly avoided. Lossless compression formats should be switched off.

Cross-over endovascular retrieval of a lost guide wire from the subclavian vein.

BACKGROUND: The lost guidewire in central venous catheterization is a commonly described complication. The percutaneous endovascular retrieval method is safe and has a very low complication rate. OBJECTIVES: Guidewires extending to the inferior cava vein are usually retrieved via the femoral vein. Under special circumstances, femoral venous access may be impossible and alternative vascular approaches are required. CASE REPORT: We report a case in which we used an alternative vascular approach, from the subclavian site contralateral to the insertion, in a patient with extensive inguinal burn injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Cross-over subclavian retrieval can be an alternative approach for retrieval of a lost guidewire, but it involves an increased risk of puncture-related complications such as pneumothorax.

[Misleading anisocoria in a comatose 15-year-old with head injury]. / Irreführende Anisokorie bei komatöser 15-Jähriger mit Kopfverletzung.

Anisocoria after blunt head trauma, associated with altered vigilance, is not unusually assumed to expanding intracranial mass lesion. Obvious signs of head-trauma and vomiting might strengthen this diagnosis. We report from an unconscious 15-year-old girl (Glasgow-Coma-Scale score 3) that showed these symptoms secondary after head-trauma due to alcohol intoxication but turned out to be misleading after cranial computed tomography (CT). Surprisingly, an artificial eye was found that previously remained undetected in clinical examination. Artificial eyes implemented after enucleation therapy in retinoblastoma or eye-trauma are nowadays perfectly fitting. Prehospital discrimination of artificial eyes and natural eyes might be difficult in comatose emergency patients. Neurological examination should check corneal reflex and manual palpation of the bulbus. Independent from anisocoria, patients presenting GCS 3 and head injury need rapid admission to CT-diagnostic, neurosurgical treatment respectively.

Regulatory CD4+CD25+ cells reverse imbalances in the T cell pool of bone marrow transplanted TGepsilon26 mice leading to the prevention of colitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Erroneous thymic selection of developing T lymphocytes may be responsible for the expansion of self reactive T cells or may contribute to the absence of regulatory T cells important in controlling peripheral inflammatory processes. Colitis in bone marrow (BM) transplanted Tgepsilon26 mice is induced by abnormally activated T cells developing in an aberrant thymic microenvironment. We investigated the protective role of regulatory CD4+CD25+ T cells in this model. METHODS: BM from (C57BL/6 x CBA/J) F1 mice was transplanted into specific pathogen free Tgepsilon26 mice (BM-->Tgepsilon26). Transplanted mice received no cells (control), sorted CD4+CD25+, or CD4+CD25- cells from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of normal mice. MLN cell subsets were analysed using membrane markers. Cytokine secretion of MLN cells was measured using intracellular cytokine staining and cytokine secretion in anti-CD3 stimulated cell cultures. Colitis was measured by histological scores. RESULTS: CD4+CD25+ cells were reduced in the MLNs of BM-->Tgepsilon26 mice. Transfer of regulatory CD4CD4+CD25+ but not of CD4+CD25- cells reduced the number of MLN CD4+ T cells in BM-->Tgepsilon26 recipients and increased the number of MLN CD8+ cells, thereby normalising the CD4+/CD8+ ratio. CD4+CD25+ but not CD4+CD25- cell transfer into BM-->Tgepsilon26 mice reduced the number of tumour necrosis factor alpha+ CD4+ cells and increased the secretion of transforming growth factor beta by MLN cells. Transfer of 3 x 10(5) CD4+CD25+ cells after BM transplantation into Tgepsilon26 mice prevented colitis whereas CD4+CD25- cells had no protective effect. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that defective selection or induction of regulatory T cells in the abnormal thymus is responsible for the development of colitis in BM-->Tgepsilon26 mice. Transfer of CD4+CD25+ cells can control intestinal inflammation in BM-->Tgepsilon26 mice by normalising the number and function of the MLN T cell pool.

Orbital dermoid cysts: clinicopathologic correlations, classification, and management. The 1997 Josephine E. Schueler Lecture.

The dermoid cyst is one of the most common space-occupying orbital lesions, but there has been no large series that details the clinical, pathologic, and therapeutic aspects of this condition. Furthermore, despite the various presentations and types of dermoid cysts, there is no clinically applicable classification of these lesions. We performed a retrospective histopathologic study of 197 consecutive orbital and periorbital dermoid cysts excised at Wills Eye Hospital during a 32-year period, correlated the histopathologic findings with the recorded clinical and radiographic observations, and devised a clinically applicable classification of orbital dermoid cysts. The mean age at excision was 17 years (range, 5 months to 85 years), and the most frequent clinical finding was a painless subcutaneous mass, present in 89% of cases. In 72% of patients, the mass was located in the superotemporal orbital region and produced no abnormalities of vision or intraocular pressure. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, performed mainly in the more recent cases, disclosed a characteristic round to ovoid cystic lesion with a well-defined lining. Histopathologically, 165 of the cysts (84%) were lined by keratinizing, stratified squamous epithelium. Ten (5%) were lined by nonkeratinizing epithelium resembling conjunctival epithelium. Hair shafts were present in the wall or lumen of the cyst in 195 (99%) of specimens, sebaceous glands in 148 (75%), and sweat glands in 39 (20%); inflammation was present in 75 cases (38%). Based on these personal observations and a review of the literature, a classification of orbital dermoid cysts is proposed that we believe will provide guidance for the ophthalmologist in the management of these lesions.

Occult prostatic carcinoma metastatic to the medial canthal area. Diagnosis by immunohistochemistry.

A 91-year-old man developed a mass in the right medial canthal and lacrimal sac region, which was found histopathologically to be a poorly differentiated neoplasm. The results of a complete systemic evaluation, including urologic consultation, rectal examination, bone scan, and determination of serum acid phosphatase level, were normal. In spite of the negative evaluation for prostatic carcinoma, immunohistochemical studies using immunoperoxidase stains for prostatic-specific antigen demonstrated that the lacrimal sac tumor was metastatic carcinoma from an occult primary neoplasm in the prostate gland. The presence of tumor in the prostate gland was then confirmed by a needle biopsy. Modern immunohistochemical techniques are particularly valuable in the diagnosis of selected ophthalmic tumors in which the diagnosis cannot be determined by routine diagnostic techniques.

Neurologic consultations in a general hospital. Spectrum of latrogenic disease.

In a prospective study of 1,500 neurologic consultations during 1978 and 1984 within the Johns Hopkins Hospital, iatrogenic neurologic conditions were found in 14 percent of patients. The most common antecedents were angiography, cardiac surgery, and immunosuppression. Neurologists found previously unsuspected significant neurologic conditions in 27 percent of patients. Determining the underlying causes of delirium posed a special diagnostic problem. The accuracy of general physicians and surgeons in the application of criteria for brain death was low. Consultations for solely medical-legal reasons are increasing. These findings indicate the need for improved surveillance of neurological injury in hospitals, earlier recognition of delirium and research into its mechanisms, and additional education about criteria for brain death.

Cryotherapy enhances intravitreal dispersion of viable retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is the most common cause of failure in retinal reattachment surgery. Giant retinal tears are associated with a particularly high incidence of PVR. It involves the formation of cellular membranes that contract and cause traction retinal detachments. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are a major component of these cellular membranes. Displacement of viable RPE cells from their normal position into the vitreous cavity is necessary for membrane formation to occur. This study demonstrates that cryotherapy, but not diathermy, enhances intravitreal dispersion of viable RPE cells in bovine eyes in vitro. This suggests that in some circumstances, excessive cryotherapy may play an exacerbating role in the initiation of PVR.