Structure of a vortex in the t-J model

We study the single-vortex solution of the t-J model within resonating-valence-bond mean-field theory. We find two types of vortex cores, insulating and metallic, depending on the parameters of the model. The pairing order parameter near both cores have d(x(2)-y(2))+ietad(xy) symmetry. For some range of t/J the calculated tunneling spectrum of the metallic vortex core agrees qualitatively with the STM tunneling data for BSCCO.

Nocardia Keratitis After Traumatic Detachment of a Laser in situ Keratomileusis Flap

PURPOSE

Nocardia are gram-positive bacteria existing ubiquitously in the environment; they can cause keratitis. Nocardia asteroides keratitis occurred in the interface between the stromal bed and flap after traumatic detachment of the flap 4 months after an initially uncomplicated laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedure.

METHODS

Nocardia asteroides keratitis was confirmed by culture. Therapy included topical and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

RESULTS

Thirteen months after the trauma, the patient's spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 with a manifest refraction of -2.25 -1.00 x 30 degrees.

CONCLUSIONS

The immediate steps of management consisting of surgically lifting the corneal flap, rapid microbial identification, and proper treatment with specific antibiotics resulted in the successful treatment of Nocardia asteroides keratitis in a traumatized eye after LASIK.

2,3-Dihydro-dithiin and -dithiepine-1,1,4,4-tetroxides: small molecule non-peptide antagonists of the human galanin hGAL-1 receptor

The neuropeptide galanin modulates several physiological functions such as cognition, learning, feeding behavior, and depression, probably via the galanin 1 receptor (GAL-R1). Using an HTS assay based on 125I-human galanin binding to the human galanin-1 receptor (hGAL-R1), we discovered a series of 1,4-dithiin and dithiipine-1,1,4,4-tetroxides that exhibited binding affinity IC50's to hGAL-R1 ranging from 190 to 2700 nM. Two of the dithiepin analogues, 7 and 23, behaved pharmacologically as hGAL-R1 antagonists in secondary assays involving adenylate cyclase activity and GTP binding to G-proteins. Analogues 7 and 23 were also active in functional assays involving galanin, reversing the inhibitory effect of galanin on acetylcholine (ACh) release in rat brain hippocampal slices and electrically-stimulated guinea pig ileum twitch.

Expression of bone morphogenetic protein receptors type-IA, -IB and -II correlates with tumor grade in human prostate cancer tissues

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are potential regulators of prostate cancer cell growth and metastasis that signal through an interaction with BMP membrane receptors (BMPRs) type I and type II. In the present study, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis of BMPRs were carried out in benign and malignant human prostate tissues to explain the loss of BMP response in human prostate cancer cells. The results demonstrated that the benign prostate specimens expressed high levels of all three BMPRs. In normal prostate, BMPRs were localized predominantly to epithelial cells. Among prostate cancer specimens, well-differentiated cancers were positive for the expression of BMPR-II, BMPR-IA, and BMPR-IB, for the most part. In contrast, only 1 of 10 poorly differentiated prostate cancer cases was positive for each of the three BMPRs (P < 0.005 for all three receptors). Taken together, these results indicate that human prostate cancer cells frequently exhibit loss of expression of BMPRs and suggest that loss of BMPRs may play an important role during the progression of prostate cancer.

Second toe to index finger transfer

Between April 1994 and May 1998, 15 amputated index fingers were treated based on three classifications: group 1 consisted of patients with index finger defects immediately proximal to, yet including, the distal interphalangeal joint, group 2 were those patients with defects from the proximal part of the distal interphalangeal joint to the distal part of the proximal interphalangeal joint and group 3 comprised patients with more proximal defects than group 2. With a total of six men and nine women, seven cases were included in group 1, five in group 2 and three in group 3. For the patients in groups 1 and 2, only a partial length of the second toe was transferred to the index finger, whereas in group 3 the total length of the toe needed to be transferred. The results can be summarised as follows:1. The two-point discrimination of the reconstructed index tip was 2.2 mm for group 1, 2 mm for group 2 and 2.3 mm for group 3.2. In group 1, the average range of motion in the transferred toe was 43.8>> in the distal interphalangeal joint. In groups 2 and 3, the average range of motion in the transferred toe was 30>> and 30.7>> in the distal interphalangeal joint, and 50>> and 39.3>> in the proximal interphalangeal joint, respectively.3. When compared with the contralateral index finger, the pinching power was measured at 83% in group 1, 70% in group 2 and 60% in group 3.4. Excellent results were obtained in group 1, good results in group 2 and fair results in group 3. Accordingly, the more proximal the defect in the index finger, the less satisfactory the result obtained.

Apoplexy of pituitary macroadenoma after combined test of anterior pituitary function

Pituitary apoplexy has been reported as a very rare complication of combined tests of anterior pituitary function and of TRH or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration in pituitary tumor. A 34-year-old man with a GH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma and diabetes mellitus received an injection of 400 microg TRH, 100 microg GnRH, and 0.15 U/Kg regular insulin. Twenty minutes later, he complained of a severe headache and vomited. Visual acuity and visual field did not change and his headache was persistent during the next 24 hours of conservative management. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sella turcica done the day after the event showed definitive elevation of the optic chiasm and slight enlargement of tumor and focal areas of mixed high signal and low signal intensities in the macroadenoma on noncontrast T1-weighted images. Headache subsided markedly within a day of octreotide therapy. Transsphenoidal removal of the pituitary tumor was performed 9 days after the hormone study. Ischemic necrosis and hemorrhage were confirmed in the acidophilic adenoma with positive immunostaining for GH. Postoperative course was uneventful and his serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level and blood glucose levels were normalized. Three months after the surgery the dynamic test was repeated without adverse effects. To our knowledge, this is a very rare case of apoplexy of GH-secreting pituitary adenoma after a combined stimulation test of anterior pituitary function.

MRI techniques: bilateral findings and "normal findings"

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques allow for significantly better imaging of the temporal lobe compared to computed tomography (CT) or other non-invasive modalities. For detection of foreign tissue lesions, MRI surpasses CT. For the highest non-invasive yield for detection of mesial temporal sclerosis, optimal sequences that should be employed are a heavily T1-weighted volumetric acquisition (to enable both volumetric calculation of hippocampal volume, and, if needed, intracranial volume), T2-weighted coronal sequences, with or without T2-mapping, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and, to exclude subtle susceptibility effects from hematoma or cavernoma, gradient echo scans. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) may show a decrease in N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) concentration, or NAA: Choline + creatine ratio. Functional MRI is a new and exciting tool that offers the promise of accurately localizing hemispheric functions; its role in the preoperative evaluation of temporal lobe seizures remains uncertain at present.

Molecular analysis of a tryptophan-2-monooxygenase gene (IaaM) of Agrobacterium vitis

Tryptophan-2-monooxygenase genes occur in a number of bacteria and encode the conversion of tryptophan to the plant hormone precursor indole-3-acetamide. The role of these genes in the plant-bacteria interaction is often unclear. However, their function as a virulence determinant is established for Pseudomonas savastanoi and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Some members of the Agrobacteria, such as Agrobacterium vitis have a limited host range. We have characterized the tryptophan-2-monooxygenase (iaaM) gene of A. vitis strain AG162 and show it is different from other A. vitis strains and related to iaaM of A. rhizogenes. The sequence of AG162 iaaM was deposited in the Genbank database under the accession number AF142716.

Diode-pumped singly resonant continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator with wide continuous tuning of the near-infrared idler wave

We demonstrate wide, continuous tuning of the single-frequency idler wave of a cw singly resonant optical parametric oscillator (SRO). The SRO consists of a periodically poled LiNbO(3) crystal for quasi-phase matching in a four-mirror signal-resonant ring cavity. The SRO, excited by 2.25 W of 924-nm radiation from an InGaAs diode laser, generates as much as 200 mW of single-frequency 2.1-mum idler radiation. We tune the idler frequency continuously within a range as large as 56 GHz by changing the wavelength of the diode pump laser. The versatility of this continuously tunable single-frequency infrared source is demonstrated by recording of N(2)O rovibrational absorption lines near 2.1 mum.

Replantation of avulsed scalps and secondary aesthetic correction

Five patients with avulsed scalps were treated with replantation between 1992 and 1998. All patients were women age 20 to 36 years. The percentage of the avulsed scalp ranged from 50% to 100% of the whole scalp. The vessels chosen for anastomosis were the superficial temporal artery, occipital artery, and superficial temporal vein. A vein graft harvested from the cephalic vein of the forearm was performed on the venous and arterial sides in 1 patient. Two patients experienced complete survival of the replanted scalp. Three patients showed 40%, 50%, and 80% survival areas, with the remaining defects resurfaced as split-thickness skin grafts. Six months later, the scar areas in the last 3 patients were reconstructed with an expansion of the normal or replanted scalp. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 7 years. In 4 patients a partial return of sensation in the replanted scalp and motor function of the frontalis muscle were observed. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results of their surgery.

Superconductivity in a doped mott insulator

Starting from the d-wave resonating-valence-bond mean-field theory of Kotliar and Liu, we present a new, long-wavelength/low-energy exact, treatment of gauge fluctuations. The result is a theory of gapless fermion quasiparticles coupled to superconducting phase fluctuations. We will discuss the physical implications, and the similarity and differences to a theory of superconductors with phase fluctuations.

Platelet substitutes and novel platelet products

Despite many advances in the safety, processing and storage of conventional 22 degrees C liquid-stored allogeneic platelet concentrates, there are still significant drawbacks to standard platelet concentrates used in transfusions for patients with thrombocytopenia. Efforts to overcome these shortcomings have been undertaken in both academic and commercial settings, resulting in an array of novel platelet products and substitutes that are currently at various stages of development. This review summarises the recent developments in lyophilised platelets, infusible platelet membranes (IPM), red cells bearing arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) ligands, fibrinogen-coated albumin microcapsules and liposome-based agents as putative alternatives to conventional transfusions involving allogeneic platelet concentrates. These various products are designed to replace the use of allogeneic donor platelets with modified or artificial platelets, to augment the function of existing platelets and/or provide a procoagulant material capable of achieving primary haemostasis in patients with thrombocytopenia. Preclinical studies have been encouraging for several of these platelet substitutes and novel platelet products, however, to date, only a few of these products have entered human trials. With the ongoing development of these diverse products, properties necessary for haemostatic effectiveness will become apparent. Safety and efficacy, however, must be demonstrated in preclinical and Phase I - III clinical trials, before these novel agents can be used clinically for patients with thrombocytopenia.

Effect of the factor V Leiden mutation on the clinical expression of severe hemophilia A

To determine whether the factor V Leiden mutation is associated with decreased bleeding in individuals with severe hemophilia A, factor concentrate utilization, maximum annual number of bleeding episodes, and the prevalence of hemophilic arthropathy between carriers and non-carriers of the factor V Leiden mutation were compared. Heterozygosity for the factor V Leiden mutation was found in 6 of 137 subjects (4.4%). Carriers of the factor V Leiden mutation utilized less factor concentrate (geometric mean: 310 vs. 1185 units/kg/year) and had fewer bleeding episodes than non-carriers (proportion with 10 or fewer bleeding episodes in their worst year: 50 vs. 11%). However, the factor V Leiden mutation was not associated with the absence of arthropathy. The intron 22 inversion mutation of the factor VIII gene was tested for in a subgroup of 80 subjects, but it was not found to be a significant variable for any of the bleeding endpoints. The results of this small study are consistent with the hypothesis that the factor V Leiden mutation imparts a protective effect; however, a larger confirmatory study in which the factor VIII molecular defects can be controlled for is needed. Furthermore, most severe hemophiliacs who used fewer than 200 units/kg/year of factor concentrate or who had experienced 10 or fewer bleeding episodes per year did not carry the factor V Leiden mutation, suggesting that the proportion of severe hemophiliacs whose mild clinical course can be attributed to the factor V Leiden mutation is small.

Ultrasound evaluation of flexor tendon lacerations

Thirteen injured digits in 10 patients (10 hands) with 20 potentially injured flexor tendons were preoperatively evaluated using real-time ultrasonography. The time interval between injury and ultrasonographic evaluation averaged 22 days. If a complete tendon laceration was found, the location of the proximal tendon stump was determined. Surgery was performed an average of 4 days after the ultrasonographic evaluation to determine the accuracy of the ultrasound study. Ultrasonography accurately identified the status of the flexor tendon in 11 of 13 digits and in 18 of 20 flexor tendons (12 intact, 2 partial lacerations, and 6 complete tendon lacerations). With complete tendon lacerations the location of the proximal tendon stump was accurately identified in 5 of 6 digits. There were 2 false ultrasound findings, including incorrectly identifying a 75% laceration in an intact index flexor and a complete tendon laceration in a 75% lacerated index finger flexor. Ultrasonography can help to evaluate the preoperative status of injured flexor tendons and, in cases of completely lacerated tendons, can help identify the location of the proximal tendon stump.

Pleural and pulmonary staining at inferior phrenic arteriography mimicking a tumor staining of hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

To describe the findings of pleural and pulmonary staining of the inferior phrenic artery, which can be confused with tumor staining during transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatoma.

METHODS

Fifteen patients who showed pleural and pulmonary staining without relationship to hepatic masses at inferior phrenic arteriography were enrolled. The staining was noted at initial TACE (n = 8), at successive TACE (n = 5), and after hepatic surgery (n = 2). The angiographic pattern, the presence of pleural change on computed tomography (CT), and clinical history were evaluated.

RESULTS

Draining pulmonary veins were seen in all cases. The lower margin of the staining corresponded to the lower margin of the pleura in 10 patients. CT showed pleural and/or pulmonary abnormalities in all cases. After embolization of the inferior phrenic artery, the accumulation of iodized oil in the lung was noted.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the CT and angiographic findings of pleural and pulmonary staining during TACE may help differentiate benign staining from tumor staining.

Balloon catheter dilation in common canalicular obstruction of the lacrimal system: safety and long-term effectiveness

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and long-term effectiveness of balloon catheter dilation in the treatment of common canalicular obstruction of the lacrimal system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fluoroscopically guided dilation with a 3-mm-diameter balloon catheter was attempted in 195 eyes of 148 patients (26 men, 122 women; mean age, 57 years; age range, 33-78 years) with epiphora due to common canalicular obstruction. Eighty-four of 195 eyes had complete obstruction, and 111 had partial obstruction.

RESULTS

Complications were self-limited nasal bleeding (n = 8), false passage (n = 7), and extravasation of contrast material (n = 6). Initial technical success was achieved in 76 (90%) of 84 eyes with complete obstruction and in 104 (94%) of 111 eyes with partial obstruction. In the 180 eyes with technical success, immediate clinical improvement was achieved in 76 eyes with complete obstruction and in 100 eyes with partial obstruction. The mean follow-up period was 36 weeks (range, 4-168 weeks). The cumulative patency rates were 51% at 6-month, 43% at 12-month, and 40% at 24-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Although the long-term recurrence rate is relatively high, balloon catheter dilation is a safe and effective therapeutic technique to be used initially in common canalicular obstruction.

beta-Amyloid(1-42) binds to alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor with high affinity. Implications for Alzheimer's disease pathology

Alzheimer's disease pathology is characterized by the presence of neuritic plaques and the loss of cholinergic neurons in the brain. The underlying mechanisms leading to these events are unclear, but the 42-amino acid beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta(1-42)) is involved. Immunohistochemical studies on human sporadic Alzheimer's disease brains demonstrate that Abeta(1-42) and a neuronal pentameric cation channel, the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7nAChR), are both present in neuritic plaques and co-localize in individual cortical neurons. Using human brain tissues and cells that overexpress either alpha7nAChR or amyloid precursor protein as the starting material, Abeta(1-42) and alpha7nAChR can be co-immunoprecipitated by the respective specific antibodies, suggesting that they are tightly associated. The formation of the alpha7nAChR.Abeta(1-42) complex can be efficiently suppressed by Abeta(12-28), implying that this Abeta sequence region contains the binding epitope. Receptor binding experiments show that Abeta(1-42) and alpha7nAChR bind with high affinity, and this interaction can be inhibited by alpha7nAChR ligands. Human neuroblastoma cells overexpressing alpha7nAChR are readily killed by Abeta(1-42), whereas alpha7nAChR agonists such as nicotine and epibatidine offered protection. Because Abeta(1-42) inhibits alpha7nAChR-dependent calcium activation and acetylcholine release, two processes critically involved in memory and cognitive functions, and the distribution of alpha7nAChR correlates with neuritic plaques in Alzheimer's disease brains, we propose that interaction of the alpha7nAChR and Abeta(1-42) is a pivotal mechanism involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.

Measurement of surface area in human mastoid air cell system

The total surface areas of human mastoid air cells were measured using digital CT scans. Using 24 normal ears, the lining of the mastoid air cells was digitally scanned, traced and analysed. The mean surface area of the mastoid air cell system was 167.0 cm2 and ranged from 74.78 to 330.01 cm2. The volume was also measured, the mean being 10.43 cm3 ranging from 6.25 to 20.52 cm3. The correlation coefficient between surface area and volume was 0.95. These results indicate that well pneumatized mastoid air cells serve to provide an extremely large surface area in the temporal bone which in normal mastoid air cells is proportional to the volume.

Mucosa-specific targets for regulation of IFN-gamma expression: lamina propria T cells use different cis-elements than peripheral blood T cells to regulate transactivation of IFN-gamma expression

Activation of lamina propria (LP) T cells via the CD2 pathway enhances IFN-gamma (IFN-gamma) secretion with further enhancement after CD28 coligation. The molecular mechanisms regulating IFN-gamma expression in LP T cells remain unknown. Previous studies in PBL and T cell lines identified cis- and trans-regulatory elements in TCR-mediated expression of IFN-gamma. This study examines CD2 and PMA/ionophore-responsive IFN-gamma promoter elements. Activation of LPMC via CD2-induced IFN-gamma secretion and a parallel up-regulation of mRNA expression. CD28 coligation enhanced mRNA stability without up-regulating transcription as measured by nuclear run-on. Transfection of a -2.7-kb IFN-gamma promoter-reporter construct into PBL and LP mononuclear cells (LPMC) revealed significant promoter activity after CD2 activation, with additional transactivation after CD2/CD28 costimulation in PBL, but not in LPMC. Functional analysis using truncated promoter fragments identified distinct cis-regulatory regions selectively transactivating IFN-gamma expression in PBL compared with LPMC. In PBL, CD2 activation elements reside within the -108- to +64-bp region. However, in LPMC the upstream region between -204 and -108 bp was essential. Transfection of the proximal and distal AP-1-binding elements, as well as TRE/AP-1 constructs, revealed functional activation of AP-1 subsequent to CD2 signaling, with activation critical in PBL but diminished in LPMC. Electromobility shift analysis using oligonucleotides encompassing the proximal, distal, and BED/AP-1-binding regions failed to demonstrate selective transactivation after CD2 signaling of LPMC. This report provides evidence that activation of LPMC results in transactivation of multiple promoter elements regulating IFN-gamma expression distinct from those in PBL.

Characteristics of ectopic discharges in a rat neuropathic pain model

Injured afferent neurons produce spontaneous activity that is generated away from the normal impulse generation site. Since this activity, referred to as ectopic discharges, may play a significant role in neuropathic pain, it is important to systematically analyze the activity in various pain states. The present study used the segmental spinal nerve injury model of neuropathic pain to quantify the ectopic discharges from injured afferents in the neuropathic rat under various conditions. All aspects of measured ectopic discharges declined as postoperative time lengthened. Neuropathic pain behaviors declined in a similar fashion over the same time period. Surgical sympathectomy on neuropathic animals lowered the level of ectopic discharges along with neuropathic pain behaviors. The data indicate that the level of ectopic discharges is well correlated with that of pain behaviors in a rat neuropathic pain model, and this reinforces the supposition that ectopic discharges are important to the maintenance of neuropathic pain behaviors. The data suggest that there are two components of ectopic discharge generator mechanisms: sympathetically dependent and sympathetically independent components.

Incidence and characterization of Listeria monocytogenes from domestic and imported foods in Korea

A total of 1,537 domestic and imported food products were examined for the incidence of Listeria monocytogenes between 1993 and 1997 in Korea. L. monocytogenes was detected using the U.S. Department of Agriculture isolation method. Isolated L. monocytogenes was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction with hly1 and hly2 primers designed from the listeriolysin O. Overall, 122 samples (7.9%) contained L. monocytogenes. The rate of isolation was 4.3% for beef, 19.1% for pork, 30.2% for chicken, 1.2% for shellfish, 4.4% for raw milk, 4.4% for frozen smoked mussels, and 6.1% for ice cream. No L. monocytogenes was found in pasteurized milk, pasteurized processed cheese, saltwater fish, dried seafoods, or ham. The overall incidence was lower than that reported in previous studies from other countries. Most isolates were serotype 1/2b except for chicken, in which serotype 1/2a was predominant. The serotyping results might imply the presence of food or geography-specific L. monocytogenes strains.

Tissue engineered artificial skin composed of dermis and epidermis

We made an artificial skin comprised of a stratified layer of keratinocytes and a dermal matrix with a type I collagen containing fibroblasts. In this work, we showed keratinocyte behavior under primary culture, gel contractions varying with concentration of collagen solution, and cell growth plots in the collagen gel. The optimum behavior of dermal equivalent could be obtained using 3.0 mg/ml collagen solution and attached gel culture. The attached gel culture had a jumping effect of growth factor on cell growth at the lag phase. To develop the artificial skin, 1x10(5) cells/cm2 of keratinocytes were cultured on the dermal equivalent at air-liquid interface. Finally, to overcome the problem that artificial skin of collagen gel was torn easily during suturing of grafting, we prepared histocompatible collagen mesh and attached the mesh to the bottom of the gel. Cultured artificial skins were successfully grafted onto rats.

Changes of glucose transporters in the cerebral adaptation to hypoglycemia

Repeated hypoglycemia increases the glycemic thresholds of responses of counterregulatory hormones and of symptoms to subsequent hypoglycemia. This may in part be due to cerebral adaptation to hypoglycemia, which involves glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) and glucose transporter-3 (GLUT3). To investigate the role of brain GLUT1 and GLUT3 in cerebral adaptation to chronic hypoglycemia, GLUT1 and GLUT3 mRNA and protein expressions were determined in rat brain using RT-PCR and Western blot analyses after 4- and 8-day hypoglycemic insults. Hypoglycemia was induced in rats by twice daily subcutaneous injection of intermediate-acting insulin with dosage adjustment according to the blood glucose levels. Target level of hypoglycemia (< 2.5 mmol/l) was achieved at least once a day in all rats included. Control rats received saline injections. Blood glucose levels during the 4 and 8 days of insulin treatment were 2.18 +/- 0.12 and 2.68 +/- 0.07 mmol/l, respectively. Following the 4 and 8 days of hypoglycemia, GLUT1 mRNA levels did not significantly change. GLUT3 mRNA expressions after the 4 days of hypoglycemia increased by 36.9 +/- 9.4% compared with that in control rats (P = 0.031), but after the 8 days of hypoglycemia, did not change. On Western blot analysis of total particulate rat brain membrane, amount of 55-kDa isoform of GLUT1 protein did not change after 4- and 8-day hypoglycemia (88.1 +/- 4.9% of control, P = 0.240; 92.1 +/- 1.4% of control, P = 0.096, respectively). In contrast, the expression of GLUT3 protein in the 4-day hypoglycemic rats increased by 51.4 +/- 8.4% compared with that in control rats (P = 0.004). After the 8 days of hypoglycemia, the expression also tended to increase by 44.9 +/- 14.4% (P = 0.119). There was an inverse correlation between the amount of GLUT3 protein expression and mean blood glucose levels in 4-day hypoglycemic and control rats (r = -0.886, P = 0.019). These data suggest that GLUT3 isoform plays a role in the cerebral adaptation to chronic hypoglycemia.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the thyroid and adrenal glands

We report a case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL) with simultaneous involvement of both thyroid and bilateral adrenal glands. Literature review on a computerized search showed that this is an extremely rare condition. The final diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma was confirmed by biopsies of thyroid gland, enlarged cervical lymph node, and adrenal gland. The significant endocrine dysfunction of the thyroid, adrenal or other endocrine glands was absent in our case. The patient responded dramatically to three cycles of chemotherapy with no complication or endocrine dysfunction and continues to be followed.