A Case of Mesenteric Pseudocyst Causing a Massive Abdominal Swelling

We present the case of a 55-year-old man, with a self-limited febrile condition associated to polyserositis with inconclusive investigation. Bilateral pleural and pericardial effusions resolved. The peritoneal fluid loculated and was compatible with an exudate. The patient remained clinically asymptomatic. Two years later, examination revealed a palpable and painless abdominal mass, which imaging study suggested a cystic lesion. Surgical resection was performed and the histological examination revealed a mesenteric pseudocyst. Mesenteric pseudocysts are rare intra-abdominal cystic masses, mostly benign, without causing specific symptoms. Although imaging tests are useful for their differential diagnosis, the histology is mandatory.

Intratumoral heterogeneity in glioblastoma: don't forget the peritumoral brain zone

International audience

Iron metabolism: a double-edged sword in the resistance of glioblastoma to therapies

International audience

Segmentos anátomo-cirúrgicos arteriais do rim de cutia (Dasyprocta prymnolopha)

Foram estudados 20 pares de rins decutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha Wagler, 1831), com o objetivo de descrever os segmentos anátomo-cirúrgicos arteriais. As artérias renais foram injetadas com solução de Vinilite corada, e os rins foram submetidos à corrosão ácida para a obtenção dos moldes vasculares. Observou-se que as artérias renais da cutia, sempre únicas, dividiram-se em artéria setorial ventral e artéria setorial dorsal, caracterizando dois setores renais separados por plano avascular. As artérias setoriais penetraram no hilo renal (100% dos casos). Estes vasos deram origem aos ramos segmentares responsáveis pela irrigação de territórios independentes em cada setor, os segmentos arteriais renais. No rim direito foram observados 3 (60%), 4 (35%) e 5 segmentos (5%) no setor arterial ventral e 3 (30%), 4 (45%), 5 (20%) e 6 (5%) segmentos no setor dorsal e, à esquerda, 2(10%), 3 (55%) e 4 (35%) segmentos no setor ventral e 3 (25%), 4 (50%) e 5 (25%) no dorsal. Com base na distribuição arterial nos rins de cutia, observaram-se setores e segmentos arteriais independentes, sendo possível, desta forma, a realização de setoriectomia e segmentectomia nesta espécie.

RARβ gene methylation is a candidate for primary glioblastoma treatment planning.

Background: We screened RARβ methylation in primary glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and the results were evaluated based on the clinical data and treatment type. Objective: The objective of this study was to find new areas for the usage of MS-HRM applications in the determination of methylation levels in primary GBM samples and it shows the association of RARβ methylation with the clinical outcome. Methods: In our study, tumor samples were collected during surgical resection by the Department of Neurosurgery. The clinical and radiologic data was carefully reviewed, compared, and evaluated with the histological results. The methylation status of RARβ was determined by using MS-HRM. Results: RARβ gene methylation was detected in 24 out of 40 cases (60%), with different quantitative methylation levels. The mean survival time was 19 months form ethylated cases and 15 months for the non-methylated cases. The survival time of the patients who received treatment was 25 months and the survival time of the patients who received radiotherapy alone or where no treatment protocol applied was 15-20 months. Therefore, a significant difference in survival rates has been observed (P<0.05). This study indicates a potential prognostic value for GBM treatment planning. Conclusion: Our study is the first study to investigate RARβ methylation in primary GBMs. We conclude that the RARβ gene could be a new prognostic and predictive candidate marker to designate the treatment protocol for primary GBMs. Keywords:

Acute mesenteric ischemia of arterial origin: importance of early revascularization

Voir aussi : F. Plumereau, S. Mucci, P. Le Naoures, J.B. Finel, A. Hamy. Ischémie mésentérique aiguë d’étiologie artérielle : intérêt d’une revascularisation précoce. Journal de Chirurgie Viscérale, Volume 152, Issue 1, February 2015, pp. 16-21. doi:10.1016/j.jchirv.2014.07.014

Differentiated thyroid cancer with liver metastases: lessons learned from managing a series of 14 patients

International audience

Estratificação pré-terapêutica do carcinoma do endométrio por ressonância magnética - papel do estudo dinâmico após administração de contraste endovenoso e do estudo ponderado em difusão

O carcinoma do endométrio apresenta uma taxa de incidência em Portugal de cerca de 7.2%, sendo a 5ª neoplasia mais comum na mulher. Apesar de apresentar uma prevalência relativamente elevada, o seu prognóstico global é favorável, uma vez que 75% dos casos são diagnosticados em estádio precoce. O estudo por ressonância magnética é geralmente efectuado após a realização de uma ecografia para avaliação de uma hemorragia uterina anormal e após o diagnóstico histológico por histeroscopia ou ressecção. Contudo, a ressonância magnética pode apresentar um papel determinante no diagnóstico em casos de impossibilidade de biópsia e nos quais a biópsia é inconclusiva. Além do mais, apesar de esta técnica não ser contemplada na classificação para o estadiamento do carcinoma do endométrio da International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics de 2009, apresenta uma função fundamental no estadiamento pré-operatório destas doentes, sendo crucial para definir a abordagem cirúrgica e terapêutica. No presente artigo, as autoras descrevem o estado da arte da ressonância magnética funcional no diagnóstico e no estadiamento do carcinoma do endométrio, chamando a atenção para o papel do estudo dinâmico após administração de contraste endovenoso e do estudo ponderado em difusão nestes cenários através da revisão da literatura mais recente sobre este tópico.

Ovarian sertoli-leydig cell tumour with heterologous elements of gastrointestinal type associated with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein level: an unusual case and literature review

Here we describe the case of a 19-year-old woman with a poorly differentiated ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor and an elevated serum alphafetoprotein level. The patient presented with diffuse abdominal pain and bloating. Physical examination, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right ovarian tumor that was histopathologically diagnosed as a poorly differentiated Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor with heterologous elements. Her alpha-fetoprotein serum level was undetectable after tumor resection. Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are rare sex cord-stromal tumors that account for 0.5% of all ovarian neoplasms. Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors tend to be unilateral and occur in women under 30 years of age. Although they are the most common virilizing tumor of the ovary, about 60% are endocrineinactive tumors. Elevated serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein are rarely associated with Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors, with only approximately 30 such cases previously reported in the literature. The differential diagnosis should include common alpha-fetoprotein-producing ovarian entities such as germ cell tumors, as well as other non-germ cell tumors that have been rarely reported to produce this tumor marker.

Urachal carcinoma: imaging findings

Urachal carcinoma is a rare neoplasm, which accounts for only 0.5–2% of bladder malignancies, and arises from a remnant of the fetal genitourinary tract. A 46-year-old woman presented with a history of pelvic pain and frequent daytime urination. Ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) demonstrated a supravesical heterogeneous mass with calcifications. The patient underwent a partial cystectomy with en-bloc resection of the mass and histopathological examination revealed the diagnosis of urachal adenocarcinoma. Urachal carcinomas are usually associated with poor prognosis and early diagnosis is fundamental. CT and MR are useful to correctly diagnose and preoperatively staging.

Histologic response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma: experience from Sudan.

Background: Locally advanced rectal cancer can be down staged by neoadjuvant therapy and the resultant tumor response can be quantified histologically. This study aimed to assess pathological response of neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced rectal cancers treated in Wad Medani Teaching Hospital (WMTH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), Wad Medani, Sudan. Patients and Methods: A total of 36 consecutive patients with locally advanced rectal cancer that were managed in WMTH and NCI during the period from 2006-2011 were reviewed. Preoperative pelvic radiotherapy was delivered. Total of 46 Gray were delivered concurrently with 5- fluorouracil (5-FU) on the first and last week of radiation. Total mesorectal excision of the rectal tumour either by anterior or abdominoperineal resections was planned at 6-8 weeks from completion of preoperative treatment. The pathological response to therapy was assessed by histopathology examination of the surgical specimen. Results: Initial clinical staging of patients revealed 58.3% of them were stage T3/T4N2M0 and 41.7% were stage T3N0M0. Down-staging to stage T1/T2N0M0 was found in 36.1% and stage T3N0M0 in 30.6%. No response was seen in 8.3% of cases with stage T3/T4N2M0 while complete clinical response (no residual) was seen in 25.0%. Complete histological response was observed in 13.8%. Positive lymph-nodes metastasis was confirmed in 8.3% of cases. Conclusion: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation is a reasonable option for cases of rectal cancer and deserves further evaluation.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Albinos with locally advanced skin cancer at a Blantyre Hospital: - Case Series

Albinism in Africa remains a public health concern with increasing numbers of advanced skin cancer in this population at presentation. There are challenges with availability of Radiotherapy (RT) units in Africa which is an important modality for controlling loco-regional disease alone or in combination with surgery. Proposed chemotherapy regimens have not been well validated through Randomized Controlled Trials thus posing difficulties for standard of care for units that do not have access to functional RT facilities. Malawi is one such country without radiotherapy. Case summary Seven patients with locally advanced skin cancer were seen in the adult oncology unit at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre (QECH), Malawi between 2010 and 2013. QECH is one of the teaching hospitals in the country. All were subjected to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. The primary treatment aim was cyto-reduction followed by surgery whilst the secondary outcome was general symptom control. Three patients achieved complete responses of which two underwent resection and a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. One had a near complete response and three showed partial responses. Conclusion Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy may be a possible.

Endoscopic ampullectomy: a technical review

Background and aim: This article provides a practical review to undertaking safe endoscopic ampullectomy and highlights some of the common difficulties with this technique as well as offering strategies to deal with these challenges. Methods: We conducted a review of studies regarding endoscopic ampullectomy for ampullary neoplasms with special focus on techniques. Results: Accurate preoperative diagnosis and staging of ampullary tumors is imperative for predicting prognosis and determining the most appropriate therapeutic approach. The optimal technique for endoscopic ampullectomy is dependent on the lesions size. En bloc resection is recommended for lesions confined to the papilla. There is no significant evidence to support the submucosal injection before ampullectomy. There is no consensus regarding the optimal current and power output for endoscopic ampulectomy. The benefits of a thermal adjunctive therapy remain controversial. A prophylactic pancreatic stent reduces the incidence and severity of pancreatitis post-ampullectomy. Conclusions: Endoscopic ampullectomy is a safe and efficacious therapeutic procedure for papillary adenomas in experienced endoscopist and it can avoid the need for surgical intervention.

Spinous Process Osteochondroma as a Rare Cause of Lumbar Pain

We present a case of a 5th Lumbar Vertebra (L5) spinous process osteochondroma as a rare cause of lumbar pain in an old patient. A 70-year-old male presented with progressive and disabling lower lumbar pain. Tenderness over the central and left paraspinal area of the lower lumbar region and a palpable mass were evident. CT scan showed a mass arising from the spinous process of L5. Marginal resection of the tumor was performed through a posterior approach. The histological study revealed an osteochondroma. After surgery, pain was completely relieved. After one year there was no evidence of local recurrence or symptoms. Osteochondromas rarely involve the spine, but when they do symptoms like pain, radiculopathy/myelopathy, or cosmetic deformity may occur. The imagiologic exam of election for diagnosis is CT scan. When symptomatic the treatment of choice is surgical resection. The most concerning complication of osteochondromas is malignant transformation, a rare event.

Sequestro pulmonar : trabalho de revisão

Trabalho Final do Curso de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 2014