External Cervical Resorption: a case report.

AIM: External cervical resorption is a form of root resorption which begins in the cervical region of the tooth and spreads out in the thickness of the dentin in an irregular way; clinically, it may be not visible and, as it is generally asymptomatic before involvement of the pulp, it is often an occasional finding in radiographic examination. Several factors are related to its aetiology. This paper reports a case of external cervical resorption in a mandibular right first molar of a 17-year-old patient; the tooth was extracted and histological analysis was performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographic examination showed a progressive external cervical resorption of the lower right first molar; extension of the lesion and pulp involvement indicated tooth extraction; the sample underwent histological analysis. RESULTS: The histological study confirmed the presence of vascular connective tissue in the resorptive lacunae, invading the dentin from the external surface of the root, and perforations from the defect into the pulp; it was also noticed the presence of bone-like tissue.

Phase II trial of ifosfamide with mesna in previously treated metastatic sarcoma.

Ifosfamide given to 42 patients iv at 2-2.5 g/m2/day X 4 resulted in partial responses in ten of 28 (36%) evaluable patients with adult soft tissue sarcomas, including two of two with chondrosarcoma; none of nine with pediatric sarcomas (Ewing's sarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma, or rhabdomyosarcoma) achieved partial response. All of the pediatric patients had failed to respond to complicated three- to six-drug regimens of up to 18 months in duration. The response rates in patients with and without prior cyclophosphamide (32%; seven responses among 22 patients; and 20%, three responses among 15 patients) were not significantly different, supporting in vitro evidence of a lack of cross-resistance between the two related compounds. Myelosuppression was dose-limiting. Hemorrhagic cystitis was not observed in patients treated with 400-500 mg of mesna iv every 4 hours during ifosfamide treatment. Nausea and vomiting were generally mild or moderate. Alopecia was universal but reversible. Of the first 11 patients, five became somnolent or developed visual hallucinations (during six of the 12 total courses administered to the five patients). Only one patient had two episodes of neurotoxicity. After reduction of the use of iv antiemetics and major narcotics, single episodes of neurotoxicity were seen in five of the next 27 patients. An asymptomatic acidosis developed in most patients, requiring bicarbonate replacement in one. Ifosfamide appears to be active in previously treated patients with sarcomas and should be evaluated in patients with less extensive prior treatment.

Primary Kaposi's sarcoma of the lung in an immunocompetent 32-year-old heterosexual white man.

Primary visceral involvement by Kaposi's sarcoma in the immunocompetent adult American population is extremely rare. Six cases of primary Kaposi's sarcoma of the lung have been previously reported; all four patients in whom immune function was evaluated had abnormalities. A case of primary Kaposi's sarcoma of the lung in a young adult heterosexual man with normal immunologic function is described. The patient had no response to either weekly vinblastine or doxorubicin (Adriamycin). A subsequent solitary right occipital metastasis responded to 3500 rad of radiotherapy. The patient died 3 months after diagnosis; postmortem examination revealed only two small nodules of extrathoracic Kaposi's sarcoma, one in the liver and the other in the right posterior occipital lobe of the brain. Bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral cultures were negative.