Percutaneous Image-Guided Pancreatic Duct Drainage: Technique, Results and Expected Benefits

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to provide a technical detail and feasibility of percutaneous image-guided pancreatic duct (PD) drainage and to discuss its subtleties in a series of patients with obstructed PD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty patients presenting with PD obstruction from pancreatic head tumour or pancreatitis were subjected to percutaneous image-guided PD drainage under a guidance of ultrasound or computed tomography. Following the successful puncture of PD, a locking loop drainage catheter was placed using conventional guidewire techniques under real-time fluoroscopy guidance.

RESULTS

The percutaneous drainage of obstructed PD was completed in 29 (96.7%) patients as an independent therapeutic intent or as a bridge to further percutaneous procedures. Clinical improvement following drainage was documented by the gradual reduction in clinical symptoms, including pain, nausea and fever and improved blood test results, showing the significant decrease of amylase concentration. The amount of pancreatic fluid drained post procedure was between 300 and 900 mL/day. No major procedure-related complications were observed. Subsequently, 14 of 29 patients underwent further procedures, including endoluminal placement of metal stent with or without radiofrequency ablation, balloon assisted percutaneous descending litholapaxy (BAPDL), endoluminal biopsy and balloon dilatation using the same drainage tract.

CONCLUSION

The percutaneous PD drainage appears to be a safe and effective procedure. It should be considered in patients with obstructed PD secondary to malignancy, pancreatitis etc., where endoscopic retrograde cannulation has been failed or impracticable. The procedure can also be contemplated either as an independent treatment option or as an initial step for the subsequent therapeutic endoluminal procedures.

Case report on the role of radiofrequency-assisted spleen-preserving surgery for splenic metastasis in the era of check-point inhibitors

RATIONALE

An isolated splenic metastasis is a rare phenomenon noted in advanced stage melanoma. We report the role of radiofrequency (RF) -based splenic-preserving splenectomy in a patient with a solitary splenic metastasis from advanced stage melanoma that was managed with checkpoint inhibitors.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a case of a 60-year-old man who presented with multiple lung metastases and a solitary splenic metastasis with advanced stage melanoma following excision of primary from his trunk 2.3 years back.

DIAGNOSIS

Considering the diagnosis of advanced stage melanoma with multiple lung metastases and a solitary splenic metastasis, and its ongoing progressive nature. This case was discussed in the tumour board meeting.

INTERVENTIONS

A decision was made to commence treatment with immunotherapy in the form of PD-1 inhibitor (programmed cell death 1 receptor) pembrolizumab. Follow-up restaging computer tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and chest showed a significant reduction in the lung and chest wall lesions, but the splenic lesion remained unchanged. Given the lack of response to treatment in the splenic metastasis and the significant decrease in lung metastases, the multidisciplinary team decided that a partial splenectomy combined with continued immunotherapy treatment would be appropriate as the success of immunotherapy was imminent within the splenic preservation.

OUTCOMES

The postoperative recovery was smooth and the patient was discharged from hospital on the sixth postoperative day with normal platelets and white blood cells. The histopathological analysis of the resected specimen showed a metastatic melanoma with negative margins.At 10-month follow-up after the splenic resection the patient had not experienced further tumour recurrences.

LESSONS

Spleen-preserving resection for an isolated, solitary splenic metastasis of melanoma is a feasible approach as it not only preserves the ongoing efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors by preserving the physiological T cell milieu, but the immunomodulation properties of RF can produce potentially additional therapeutic benefit.

Islets Transplantation at a Crossroads - Need for Urgent Regulatory Update in the United States: Perspective Presented During the Scientific Sessions 2021 at the American Diabetes Association Congress

Clinical islet allotransplantation has been successfully regulated as tissue/organ for transplantation in number of countries and is recognized as a safe and efficacious therapy for selected patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, in the United States, the FDA considers pancreatic islets as a biologic drug, and islet transplantation has not yet shifted from the experimental to the clinical arena for last 20 years. In order to transplant islets, the FDA requires a valid Biological License Application (BLA) in place. The BLA process is costly and lengthy. However, despite the application of drug manufacturing technology and regulations, the final islet product sterility and potency cannot be confirmed, even when islets meet all the predetermined release criteria. Therefore, further regulation of islets as drugs is obsolete and will continue to hinder clinical application of islet transplantation in the US. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network together with the United Network for Organ Sharing have developed separately from the FDA and BLA regulatory framework for human organs under the Human Resources & Services Administration to assure safety and efficacy of transplantation. Based on similar biologic characteristics of islets and human organs, we propose inclusion of islets into the existing regulatory framework for organs for transplantation, along with continued FDA oversight for islet processing, as it is for other cell/tissue products exempt from BLA. This approach would reassure islet quality, efficacy and access for Americans with diabetes to this effective procedure.

Immunological Basis of Genesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Unique Challenges and Potential Opportunities through Immunomodulation

A majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops in the setting of persistent chronic inflammation as immunological mechanisms have been shown to play a vital role in the initiation, growth and progression of tumours. The index review has been intended to highlight ongoing immunological changes in the hepatic parenchyma responsible for the genesis and progression of HCC. The in-situ vaccine effect of radiofrequency (RF) is through generation tumour-associated antigens (TAAs), following necrosis and apoptosis of tumour cells, which not only re-activates the antitumour immune response but can also act in synergism with checkpoint inhibitors to generate a superlative effect with intent to treat primary cancer and distant metastasis. An improved understanding of oncogenic responses of immune cells and their integration into signaling pathways of the tumour microenvironment will help in modulating the antitumour immune response. Finally, we analyzed contemporary literature and summarised the recent advances made in the field of targeted immunotherapy involving checkpoint inhibitors along with RF application with the intent to reinstate antitumour immunity and outline future directives in very early and early stages of HCC.

Massive vesical calculi formation as a complication of augmentation cystoplasty

INTRODUCTION

Here we report an unusual case of massive stone formation in augmented urinary bladder.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 25-year-old man presented with recurrent urinary tract infection ten years after augmentation cystoplasty after a complex pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect. On evaluation by ultrasonography, X-ray, and computed tomography of abdomen showed large burden of stones in the urinary bladder. Patent underwent an open cystolithotomy and forty stones weighing about 1400 g were removed. It was one of the largest reported stone burdens following augmented cystoplasty until now.

DISCUSSION

Even though stone formation is a common complication after augmentation cystoplasty, it can be prevented by regular bladder wash and good follow-up.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Liver Resection with the Rf-Based Device Habib™-4X with the Clamp-Crush Technique

Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and third most common cause of cancer-related mortality. Presently, indications for liver resections for liver cancers are widening, but the response is varied owing to the multitude of factors including excess intraoperative bleeding, increased blood transfusion requirement, post-hepatectomy liver failure and morbidity. The advent of the radiofrequency energy-based bipolar device Habib™-4X has made bloodless hepatic resection possible. The radiofrequency-generated coagulative necrosis on normal liver parenchyma provides a firm underpinning for the bloodless liver resection. This meta-analysis was undertaken to analyse the available data on the clinical effectiveness or outcomes of liver resection with Habib™-4X in comparison to the clamp-crush technique. The RF-assisted device Habib™-4X is considered a safe and feasible modality for liver resection compared to the clamp-crush technique owing to the multitude of benefits and mounting clinical evidence supporting its role as a superior liver resection device. The most intriguing advantage of the RF-device is its ability to induce systemic and local immunomodulatory changes that further expand the boundaries of survival outcomes following liver resection.

Radiofrequency-assisted liver resection: Technique and results

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency (RF)-assisted liver resection allows non-anatomical liver resection with reduced blood loss and offers the opportunity for a combination of resection and ablation. However, there are still concerns with regard to postoperative complications related to this technique. In the present study, we discuss the technical aspects of RF-assisted liver resections and analyse the rate of perioperative complications, focusing on post-hepatectomy liver failure (PLF), bile leak and abscess, and mortality.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2015, 857 consecutive open and laparoscopic elective RF-assisted liver resections for benign and malignant liver tumours were reviewed retrospectively to assess perioperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Median intraoperative blood loss was 130 mL, with 9.8% of patients requiring blood transfusion. Intra-abdominal collections requiring percutaneous drainage developed in 8.7% of all patients, while bile leak at resection margin developed in 2.8% of the cases. Major liver resection was performed in 34% of patients and the incidence of PLF was 1.5% with one directly related mortality (0.1%).

CONCLUSION

RF-assisted liver resection has evolved into a feasible and safe technique of liver resection with an acceptable incidence of perioperative morbidity and a low incidence of PLF and related mortality.

A systematic review on radiofrequency assisted laparoscopic liver resection: Challenges and window to excel

Laparoscopic liver resection has progressively gained acceptance as a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of benign and malignant liver neoplasms. However, blood loss remains the major challenge in liver surgery. Several techniques and devices have been introduced in liver surgery in order to minimize intraoperative haemorrhage during parenchymal transection. Radiofrequency (RF)-assisted liver resection has been shown to be an effective method to minimize bleeding in open and laparoscopic liver resection. A number of RF devices for parenchymal transection have been designed to assist laparoscopic liver resections. Here we have reviewed the results of various RF devices in laparoscopic liver resection. A total 15 article were considered relevant for the evaluation of technical aspects and outcomes of RF-assisted liver resections in laparoscopic procedures. In these studies, 176 patients had laparoscopic liver resection using RF-assisted parenchymal coagulation. Two monopolar and three bipolar devices were employed. Blood loss was limited in most of the studies. The need of blood transfusions was limited to two cases in all the series. Conversion was necessary due to bleeding in 3 cases. Operative and transection times varied between studies. However, RF-assisted resection with bipolar devices appeared to have taken less time in comparison to other RF devices. RF-related complications were minimum, and only one case of in-hospital death due to hepatic failure was reported. Although RF has been used in a small minority of laparoscopic liver resections, laparoscopic RF-assisted liver resection for benign and malignant disease is a safe and feasible procedure associated with reduction in blood loss, low morbidity, and lower hospital mortality rates.

Spontaneous external fistula: the rarest presentation of hydatid cyst

A 65-year-old man with hydatid disease of the liver presented with a spontaneous cutaneous rupture draining about 10 L of fluid with daughter cysts. Contrast-enhanced CT showed multiple hypodense areas in the residual right lobe of the liver and abdominal wall with compensatory hypertrophy of the left lobe, confirming the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst presenting as external fistulisation which represents a very advanced stage of hydatid disease. Once the patient's nutritional status improved he was taken for surgery. On laparotomy there were multiple cysts seen in the residual right lobe of the liver and inflammatory changes in the abdominal wall with an external fistulous opening. Right-lobe hepatectomy was carried out along with excision of the fistulous tract. The specimen showed multiple degenerated contents of the cyst with numerous daughter cysts along the fistulous tract and examination of cyst fluid demonstrated protoscolices. The postoperative period was uneventful. He was regularly followed and was doing well.

Combination Therapy Of Tadalafil And Pentoxifylline In Severe Erectile Dysfunction; A Prospective Randomized Trial

The aim of the study was to assess efficacy of Tadalafil alone versus Tadalafil plus Pentoxifylline in the treatment of erectile dysfunction by using self administered IIEF-5 questionnaire.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred and thirty seven patients presenting with ED at andrology OPD were evaluated for ED by a self administered IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) questionnaire. Patients were systematically randomized by computer generated random table into two groups groups namely, group A: Tadalafil only group, group B: combination of Tadalafil + Pentoxifyl-line. All the patients were re-assessed by IIEF-5 questionnaire after 8 weeks of medical therapy. Statistical analysis was performed using student's unpaired t-test, paired t-test, chi square test. p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty seven patients were included in the present study, in group A: 92 patients (78.6%) showed improvement in their IIEF score after 8 weeks of tadalafil treatment. While in group B, overall 104 patients(86.6%) showed improvement after combination of Tadalafil and Pentoxifylline. There was a statistically significant difference of percentage change in IIEF score was seen in group B (group A 90.7±15.2%, group B 95.6±13.4%; p value - 0.014). We found this difference even more statistically significant in patients with severe ED (group A 72.7±47.2%, group B 132.3±54.3%; p value - 0.000). There was no significant difference in between the two groups with regards to occur-rence of side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Both tadalafil and combination of Tadalafil + Pentoxifylline improve erectile function in patients of ED. Patients with severe ED showed much significant improvement in erectile function with combination therapy.

Giant Urinary Bladder Diverticula presenting as Epigastric Mass and Dyspepsia

INTRODUCTION

Bladder diverticulum is a result of bladder mucosa and submucosa herniation through the muscularis propria of bladder wall. Bladder diverticula are mostly seen in the elderly men in association with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

CASE PRESENTATION

A 74-year-old man presented with complaints of vague epigastric discomfort, dyspepsia, and mild lower urinary tract symptoms. An ultrasonography of the abdomen showed bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, large cystic lesion with the size of 26.3 × 20.5 cm and in continuation of urinary bladder and prostate of 70 mL volume. Voiding cystourethrogram revealed a large diverticulum with its neck communicating with bladder on posterior aspect. Abdominopelvic contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed bilateral hydronephrosis with large bladder diverticulum of 27.3 × 21.5 cm in size with smooth diverticular wall. On cystoscopy, the neck of diverticulum was seen at the posterior wall of bladder. Open prostatectomy and diverticulectomy were done simultaneously (Figure 3). Postoperative course was uneventful. The histopathological assessment showed features of chronic inflammation without any evidence of malignancy. On the third postoperative day, the urethral catheter was removed and suprapubic catheter was clamped. Patient was voiding well and cystography done on day 12 revealed smooth bladder contour without any leakage; hence, suprapubic catheter was removed. Patient was discharged in satisfactory condition.

CONCLUSIONS

The elderly men are at high risk of developing bladder diverticulum, which may be due to high prevalence BPH in this group. Although presentation of bladder diverticulum is nonspecific, its effect on renal system is significant. Therefore, awareness of patients and physicians is necessary to prevent its consequences.

Preservation solutions for static cold storage in donation after circulatory death and donation after brain death liver transplantation in the United States

Static cold preservation remains the cornerstone for storing donor livers following procurement; however, the choice between University of Wisconsin solution (UW) and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution (HTK) remains controversial. Recent International Liver Transplantation Society (ILTS) guidelines have recommended avoiding HTK for donation after circulatory death (DCD) grafts based on older reports. We studied the latest US adult graft outcomes in three recent eras (2006-2010, 2011-2015, 2016-2020) comparing HTK and UW among 5956 DCD LTs: 3873 (65.0%) used UW and 1944 (32.7%) used HTK. In a total of 82,679 donation after brain death (DBD) liver transplantations (LTs), 63,511 (76.8%) used UW and 15,855 (19.2%) used HTK. The HTK group had higher 1-year and 5-year graft survival rates of 89.7% and 74.3%, respectively, compared with 85.9% and 70.8% in the UW group in the 2016-2020 era (p = 0.005). This difference remained when adjusted for important potential confounders (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval: 0.60, 0.99). There were no differences between groups among DCD LTs in the earlier eras or among DBD LTs in all eras (all p values > 0.05). The latest US data suggest that HTK is at least noninferior to UW for preserving DCD livers. These data support HTK use in DCD LT and contradict ILTS guidance.

Compliance with evidence-based clinical guidelines in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis: the MANCTRA-1 study protocol

Despite existing evidence-based practice guidelines for the management of biliary acute pancreatitis (AP), the clinical compliance with recommendations is overall poor. Studies in this field have identified significant discrepancies between evidence-based recommendations and daily clinical practice. The most commonly reported gaps between clinical practice and AP guidelines include the indications for CT scan, need and timing of artificial nutritional support, indications for antibiotics, and surgical/endoscopic management of biliary AP. The MANCTRA-1 (coMpliAnce with evideNce-based cliniCal guidelines in the managemenT of acute biliaRy pancreAtitis) study is aiming to identify the areas for quality improvement that will require new implementation strategies. The study primary objective is to evaluate which items of the current AP guidelines are commonly disregarded and if they correlate with negative clinical outcomes according to the different clinical presentations of the disease. We attempt to summarize the main areas of sub-optimal care due to the lack of compliance with current guidelines to provide the basis for introducing a number of bundles in AP patients' management to be implemented during the next years. The MANCTRA-1 study is an international multicenter, retrospective cohort study with the purpose to assess the outcomes of patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of biliary AP and the compliance of surgeons worldwide to the most up-to-dated international guidelines on biliary AP. ClinicalTrials.Gov ID Number: NCT04747990, Date: February 23, 2021. Protocol Version V2.2.

Breast gangrene: a rare source of severe sepsis

We present a very rare case of breast gangrene in a 26-year-old woman, lactating primipara, referred to the emergency department of our hospital with a 1-day history of difficulty in breathing, high-grade fever associated with chills and rigor and failure to pass urine. After initial resuscitation, stabilisation and thorough examination her right breast was found to be gangrenous, with satellite lesions at the periphery. Later, under local anaesthesia and appropriate antibiotic coverage, the patient was taken for emergency debridement. She gradually recovered and as the wound developed healthy granulation tissue and wound culture became sterile, grafting of the affected area was carried out. The graft took well following which she was discharged.

An unusual case of metastatic male breast cancer to the nasopharynx-review of literature

Metastatic breast carcinoma has been described to the various areas in the head and neck region. However, these metastases are rarely found in nasopharynx. Herein we are presenting the first case of male breast carcinoma with the longest survival secondary to distant metastases in right maxillary sinus and extending to the nasopharynx with extensive skeletal & lung metastases. Here we present a case of 65-year-old male with past medical history of right breast carcinoma, presented clinically with symptoms of recurrent sinusitis. Physical examination revealed a mass in the nasopharynx, which subsequently proved to be hormonal receptor positive high-grade adenocarcinoma secondary to metastasis of primary breast cancer on biopsy. The patient received three cycles of palliative chemotherapy based on Doxorubicin with Paclitaxel weekly. In spite of that, he developed pulmonary, liver and bone metastases. Later, treatment regimen was changed to Gemcitabine, Paclitaxel and injectable Zolendronate with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Still he didn't show any improvement and later, he developed febrile neutropenia. Then, he refused further chemotherapy and died after 12 months of receiving the best hospice care. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in terms of incidence and mortality; breast cancer deserves extensive studies and research in different aspects. Breast cancer metastasizing to nasopharynx would be the last diagnosis that comes to mind for a male patient presenting with clinical features suggestive of recurrent sinusitis infection. As recurrent sinusitis is a very common ailment affecting human kind and is mostly due to benign causes. Metastasis, although rare, should be included in the differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal lesion since it may clinically mimic a benign neoplasm or primary carcinoma. Based on our clinical experience and review of literature, although it is a very rare possibility in a patient with sinusitis, still we advise not to overlook any symptoms suggestive of the etiology of recurrent sinusitis.

Richter type of incarcerated obturator hernia; misery still continues

Obturator hernia is a rare type of hernia which accounts for only 0.07-1.4% of all intra-abdominal hernias and 0.2-5.8% of small-intestinal obstructions. It develops predominantly in elderly underweight women. It has nonspecific early symptoms, so these hernias are usually discovered only after they have become incarcerated. Incarcerated obturator hernias are usually discovered on abdominal computed tomography scan or emergency surgery due to bowel obstruction. Here we present a case of a 65-year-old female who presented with intermittent abdominal pain, distension and nausea for last 3 days. She was a known case of hypothyroidism, taking Levothyroxine in inadequate dose. Her intial abdominal Xray was showing few air-fluid level with air present in rectum. She was initially managed conservatively but later developed features of peritonitis for which she was operated. In laparotomy, Richter type of right-sided incarcerated obturator hernia was discovered with a small necrotic area and perforation of small bowel. Bowel resection was performed and obturator hernia was closed with interrupted sutures. The patient recovered without complications. Obturator hernia, due to its rarity and nonspecific early symptoms, can still be misleading even to the most experienced clinicians. Delay in diagnosis of obturator hernia can lead to bowel necrosis and perforation with significant postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Recent Advances: The Imbalance of Immune Cells and Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Recent advancement in the immunological understanding of genesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has implicated a decline in anti-tumour immunity on the background of chronic inflammatory state of liver parenchyma. The development of HCC involves a network of immunological activity in the tumour microenvironment involving continuous interaction between tumour and stromal cells. The reduction in anti-tumour immunity is secondary to changes in various immune cells and cytokines, and the tumour microenvironment plays a critical role in modulating the process of liver fibrosis, hepatocarcinogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor invasion and metastasis. Thus, it is considered as one of primary factor behind the despicable tumour behavior and observed poor survival; along with increased risk of recurrence following treatment in HCC. The primary intent of the present review is to facilitate the understanding of the complex network of immunological interactions of various immune cells, cytokines and tumour cells associated with the development and progression of HCC.

The use of radiofrequency ablation in pancreatic cancer in the midst of the dawn of immuno-oncology

Despite significant improvement in treatment, the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains poor as the biology of the tumour affects survival even when a radical resection has been performed. Pancreatic cancer remains resistant to currently available chemotherapeutic options. Recently, immunotherapy has achieved significant results in certain types of cancer. However, for pancreatic cancer, results were not initially encouraging as pancreatic cancer microenvironment is highly immunosuppressive. Radiofrequency ablation is currently used as treatment option especially for liver cancer with significant results. However, in pancreatic cancer, the use of radiofrequency ablation is relatively new. Radiofrequency ablation has been identified as a promising mechanism to induce antigen-presenting cell infiltration and enhance systemic antitumour T-cell immune response and tumour regression. In this short communication, we briefly review the role of radiofrequency ablation in pancreatic cancer and explore the idea that the combination of radiofrequency ablation with immunotherapy could represent a novel and promising treatment.

Post-Hoc Analysis of a Randomized, Double Blind, Prospective Study at the University of Chicago: Additional Standardizations of Trial Protocol are Needed to Evaluate the Effect of a CXCR1/2 Inhibitor in Islet Allotransplantation

A recent randomized, multicenter trial did not show benefit of a CXCR1/2 receptor inhibitor (Reparixin) when analysis included marginal islet mass (>3,000 IEQ/kg) for allotransplantation and when immunosuppression regimens were not standardized among participating centers. We present a post-hoc analysis of trial patients from our center at the University of Chicago who received an islet mass of over 5,000 IEQ/kg and a standardized immunosuppression regimen of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) for induction. Twelve islet allotransplantation (ITx) recipients were randomized (2:1) to receive Reparixin (N = 8) or placebo (N = 4) in accordance with the multicenter trial protocol. Pancreas and donor characteristics did not differ between Reparixin and placebo groups. Five (62.5%) patients who received Reparixin, compared to none in the placebo group, achieved insulin independence after only one islet infusion and remained insulin-free for over 2 years (P = 0.08). Following the first ITx with ATG induction, distinct cytokine, chemokine, and miR-375 release profiles were observed for both the Reparixin and placebo groups. After excluding procedures with complications, islet engraftment on post-operative day 75 after a single transplant was higher in the Reparixin group (n = 7) than in the placebo (n = 3) group (P = 0.03) when islet graft function was measured by the ratio of the area under the curve (AUC) for c-peptide to glucose in mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT). Additionally, the rate of engraftment was higher when determined via BETA-2 score instead of MMTT (P = 0.01). Our analysis suggests that Reparixin may have improved outcomes compared to placebo when sufficient islet mass is transplanted and when standardized immunosuppression with ATG is used for induction. However, further studies are warranted. Investigation of Reparixin and other novel agents under more standardized and optimized conditions would help exclude confounding factors and allow for a more definitive evaluation of their role in improving outcomes in islet transplantation. Clinical trial reg. no. NCT01817959, clinicaltrials.gov.

Retroperitoneal Castleman's disease: benign in the midst of malignancy

A 32-year-old asymptomatic woman presented with localised mass on the left side of the abdomen for 8 months. An abdominal ultrasound and CT scan revealed a solid heterogenous mass located just below the left kidney in the retroperitoneum. Provisional diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma was made. Following this, surgery was planned and open biopsy (frozen section) was performed, which demonstrated localised hyaline-vascular type of Castleman's disease, which was then excised completely. Thus, intraoperative diagnosis avoided extensive resection and radiation therapy, which reduced the patient's morbidity and expenses. Postoperative period was uneventful and no recurrence was seen even after 3 years of follow-up.

Page kidney secondary to large splenic artery aneurysm bleeding and its management by angioembolization

INTRODUCTION

The Page kidney is a rare phenomenon that refers to hypertension resulting from any external compression of a kidney by a hematoma, tumor, lymphocele, or urinoma. The activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is believed to be the main mechanism responsible for development of resistant hypertension in Page kidney.

CASE PRESENTATION

We reported a patient with chronic pancreatitis who presented with hypotension due to splenic artery aneurysmal bleed; following the resuscitation, accelerated hypertension secondary to Page kidney caused by perinephric hematoma presented. Early diagnosis by contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and renal angiogram was followed by therapeutic angioembolization. However, ultrasound guided aspiration was not done because of denial by the patient for further treatment. Follow-up showed normalization of blood pressure and resolution of hematoma on subsequent abdomen ultrasound evaluation.

DISCUSSION

Splenic artery aneurysm is a very uncommon cause of Page kidney and to our knowledge, it was the first case of its kind ever reported in the literature.

Large clitoral leiomyoma in a forty-two years old premenopausal woman

INTRODUCTION

Clitromegaly can be congenital or acquired with the former type being more prevalent. The main etiology behind the acquired type is hormonal imbalance affecting mainly adult women. This type is seen mostly in association with polycystic ovarian syndrome, hyperthecosis, ovarian tumors, and clitoral cysts or it can be drug-induced. Clitoral leiomyoma is a rare benign tumor of female genitalia and is an uncommon cause of clitromegaly.

CASE REPORT

We reported a 42-year-old premenopausal woman with a progressively increasing mass since five years ago, who had attended our clinic with urinary retention. It was a fungating mass with ulceration arising from the crus of the clitoris with the size was 11 × 9 cm. After detailed laboratory investigations, she had normal karyotyping. Hormonal assay for testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, parathormone, and prolactin levels revealed values within the normal range. Twenty-four hours urinary excretion levels of free cortisol and ketosteroids were within normal limits. Beta-hCG level was also in normal range. Thyroid function tests and X-ray chest results were normal. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the abdomen showed no abnormality in adrenals and there was no pituitary enlargement on brain MRI. Pelvis MRI showed a large 11 × 9 × 8 cm clitoral mass. Diagnostic biopsy done from ulcer margin was suggestive of leiomyoma. The mass was completely excised preserving the tip of clitoris. The histopathology showed spindle-shaped cells arranged in palisading form. On immunohistochemistry, tumor cells were positive for smooth muscle actin (SMA) as well as for estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER/PR), confirming the diagnosis of leiomyoma. The patient was regularly followed, and was doing well with no voiding difficulty.

CONCLUSIONS

We reported the world largest clitoral leiomyoma presenting with symptoms of acute urinary retention. MRI has important role in diagnosis and biopsy is confirmative with spindle-shaped cells arranged in palisading pattern and simple excision would be curative.

Role of crossmatch testing when Luminex-SAB is negative in renal transplantation

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system plays an important role in the acceptance of renal graft. Long and better graft survival has been reported in patients with HLA-identical siblings and a nonreactive cytotoxicity assay (CDC). New methods of HLA-typing and anti-HLA antibody detection techniques such as flow cytometry, solid-phase immunoassays, or antigen bead assays have further improved the outcomes of renal transplant recipients. In the present review, the explicit details of these methodologies are discussed in detail.

Systematic Review on Role of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors as an Alternative to Calcineurin Inhibitors in Renal Transplant: Challenges and Window to Excel

OBJECTIVES

This review focuses on the current limited evidence of graft function and graft survival in various immunosuppressive regimens involving mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors with or without calcineurin inhibitors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the current literature for describing the role of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors as an alternative to calcineurin inhibitors by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Crossref, and Scopus databases using medical subject heading terms.

RESULTS

Our detailed analyses of all relevant literature showed use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor-based de novo regimens, early calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal with subsequent introduction of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor-based regimens, and late conversion from a calcineurin inhibitor-based regimen to mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor-based regimens. Notably, early calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal with subsequent introduction of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor-based regimen seemed to be a more practical and realistic approach toward immunosuppressive treatment of renal transplant recipients. However, in view of the high rejection rate observed in these studies, it is advisable not to offer these regimens to patients with moderate to high immunologic risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The present evidences suggest that treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors allows early and substantial calcineurin inhibitor minimization. The mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors everolimus and sirolimus are preferred due to their complementary mechanisms of action and favorable nephrotoxicity profile, which have opened the way for calcineurin inhibitor reduction/withdrawal in the early posttransplant period.