[Intracranial cholesterol granulomas]

In the development of a cholesterol granuloma both cellular and vascular permeability factors have to be taken into consideration. It may arise as a special degradation product in a chronic cerebral infarct because of the partial insufficient activity of the macrophages. Consequently, the degradation of brain sphingolipids and other compounds does not follow the usual route of degradation and transportation by granular cells to the stage of neutral fat but the necrotic mass transforms into cholesterol esters. Cholesterol crystals produce an irritative effect to neighbouring tissues which may result in the formation of young fibroblasts with proliferative tendency in the vessel wall. Some of the fibroblasts take part in the proliferation of connective tissue, while the rest degenerate, producing more cholesterol or xanthomatous material. Inflammatory changes may also be associated with these lesions. The amount of cholesterol sometimes increases in the inner side of the thickening connective tissue layer. The final result may be an intracranial space occupying mass or it may end as a small cholesterol granuloma, as demonstrated in our incidental cases. By the time a granuloma has developed, the original vessel usually disappears completely, but sometimes remnants of vessels might prove the vascular origin. Other pathomechanisms should also be taken into consideration, such as a cholesterol embolus or anomalous vessel with a large cholesterol plaque in the wall. This also explains why trauma (hemorrhage, granulation), cholesterol embolus, inflammation, metabolic imbalance may predispose to the formation of a granuloma, as well as the hypercholesterolaemia. The nine cases demonstrate the significance of the intracranial granuloma from pathological, clinical and neurosurgical points of view. Such cases have not yet been reported in the national or international literature.

[A rare case of extensive bilateral polyethylene granuloma after knee replacement]

The authors present a case of bilateral loosening of total knee arthroplasty as a result of polyethylene (PE) wear. Five and seven years after TKA the patient developed a polyethylene granuloma leading to extensive bone defects under the implant. Finally it resulted in pathological fracture of medial condyle of tibia. A revision PFC stabilized prosthesis was used for reimplantation. Bone defects were filled in by bone grafts from the bone bank. Authors point out the issues of PE wear. In the discussion they list various factors (time, indication, material, design and the factor of individual response of the organism) which may play an important role in the incidence of PE wear. The incidence of polyethylene granuloma in TKA is still a rare complication, however, it is necessary to take this issue into account as the number of such cases will undoubtedly grow.

Polishing-paste-induced silica granuloma of the gingiva

Polishing-paste-induced silica granuloma of the gingiva, an uncommon condition, may mimic various local or systemic pathological entities. A 33-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man were referred for a localised refractory gingival inflammation. Clinical diagnoses included allergy, lichen planus and herpes. Biopsy showed well-demarcated non-caseating granulomas, associating epithelioid and Langhans giant cells. Special bacterial and mycological stains were negative. Systemic examination and laboratory tests ruled out sarcoidosis and Crohn's disease. Polarised light revealed birefringent crystalline foreign material. A diagnosis of silica granuloma was made. Both patients had frequent dental hygiene treatment including polishing with abrasive paste, suggesting an iatrogenic implantation of the foreign bodies. Gingival damage can result from the use of some dental materials containing silica. Often asymptomatic, sometimes producing visible lesions, granulomatous gingivitis may mislead into wrong diagnosis and treatment. Old silica granulomas may become symptomatic if the patient contracts sarcoidosis.

Bone wax foreign body granuloma in the mastoid

The sue of bone wax is commonly used to control bleeding during mastoid surgery. An unusual case of bone wax granuloma in the mastoid, with sigmoid sinus thrombosis, is reported. Although the use of bone wax in and around the mastoid is generally considered safe with few complications, caution should be exercised, particularly in infected fields and in patients known to have general immunohypersensitivity.

Complications in motility PEG placement for hydroxyapatite orbital implant in anophthalmic socket

PURPOSE

In a retrospective study, we evaluated the complications in using the motility peg system (nonsleeved and sleeved) for hydroxyapatite orbital implants in an anophthalmic socket.

METHODS

Drilling for motility peg placement was performed in 265 patients with hydroxyapatite implantation: nonsleeved peg system (n = 191), sleeved peg system (n = 74). A statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test.

RESULTS

Extrusion rates were significantly lower in the sleeved peg system (10.8%) compared to the nonsleeved peg system (27.2%) (P =.005). The other complications related to motility peg placement were granulation tissue overgrowth (4.2%), hydroxyapatite exposure around peg head (3.0%), and decentered peg (1.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

To minimize peg extrusion, the sleeved peg was better than the nonsleeved peg for use in primary motility peg placement.

Surgical treatment of TMJ ankylosis: our experience (60 cases)

Limitation of mouth opening can be caused by bony or fibrous ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint as sequela to trauma, infection, autoimmune disease, or failed surgery. Various procedures have been reported for treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis; this article aims to describe the diagnostic protocol and the surgical procedures adopted at the department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery of Rome University "La Sapienza". Between 1980 and 2000, 123 patients affected by TMJ ankylosis came under our observation; 60 of them (25 females and 35 males of 30 years average age) underwent surgery; bilateral TMJ ankylosis was observed in 21 cases, right-sided in 20 cases, left-sided in 19 cases. In 12 cases coronoid processes were involved. Etiopathogenesis was traumatic in 48 cases, septic in 5 cases, auto-immune (RA and seronegative spondyloarthropathies) in 5 cases; after block removing, arthroplasty was performed with pedunculated flap of temporal muscle (10 cases), Silastic material (11 cases), or lyophilized dura mater (2 cases). Simple condylar shaving was used in the remaining 36 cases. All patients under treatment showed a distinctive improvement both in articular functionality and symptoms; secondary surgery was necessary in seven cases due to the onset of articular complications from previous surgery. Silastic removal was necessary in five cases due to its inducement of foreign body granuloma. Follow-up was performed at 12, 24, and 48 months and 5 years postoperatively. In our opinion the gold standard surgery of TMJ ankylosis today is represented by shaving of articular surfaces and subsequent arthroplasty with or without temporal muscle myofascial flap interposition, whereas the use of Silastic as alloplastic material could be associated to an increased persistence of the local symptoms and a higher risk of foreign body granuloma and it may favor ankylosis relapse and hinder rehabilitation.

Acupuncture granulomas

Silicone compounds have recently been a source of controversy with regard to their potential role in the genesis of collagen vascular diseases. Foreign body reactions to injectable silicone were noted early in its cosmetic use and led to subsequent abandonment of this procedure. Here we report the first documented case of silicone granulomas to occur after acupuncture.

Popliteal cyst in a patient with total knee arthroplasty: a case report and review of the literature

We report a case of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) failure presenting initially as a large popliteal cyst without bony destruction in a 66-year-old woman. A foreign body gigantocellular inflammatory reaction against polyethylene wear particles was found on histology. The size of the cyst and the absence of bony destruction can be due to an exclusive early intramuscular granulomatous reaction. Progressive loosening of the femoral component and narrowing of the joint space heralded the TKA failure.

Liver and kidney foreign bodies granulomatosis in a patient with malocclusion, bruxism, and worn dental prostheses

Granulomatous reactions caused by foreign bodies have been described in drug abusers, in subjects exposed to occupational pollutants, and more rarely, in association with the use of prosthetic devices. We describe a 62-year-old patient with multiorgan parenchymal granulomatosis caused by inorganic debris of unknown origin. The patient presented with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, progressive cholestasis, and acute renal failure. Liver and kidney biopsies showed the presence of noncaseating epithelioid giant-cell granulomas containing scattered polarizable particles. Similar particles were also present in stools. Studies by innovative scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive microanalytical techniques showed that the particles isolated in liver, kidney, and stools were made by feldspars, the main component of porcelain. No occupational or environmental exposure to these materials could be identified in this patient and the only reliable source of the porcelain debris turned out to be constituted by 2 dental bridges evidently worn because of a possible inappropriate construction, malocclusion, and bruxism. The porcelain of the dental prostheses had the same elemental spectrum of the particles isolated from stool specimens and liver-kidney granuloma. After identification of the dental prostheses as the most likely source of ceramic debris, and after their removal, the particles from stool specimens disappeared. The patient was then treated with steroids leading to a remission of the clinical symptoms and a decrease in granulomatous inflammatory reaction in both liver and kidney. This is the first report suggesting that a foreign body systemic granulomatosis can be associated with worn dental prostheses.

Evaluation of the healing process after implantation of synthetic material called Tegmentum consisting of polyester mesh covered with polyurethane in rat peritoneum

Polyester meshes are one of the synthetic prosthetic materials widely applied for the reconstruction of abdominal layers in child and neonatal surgery, cardiosurgery or vascular surgery. Because of the lack or insufficiency of the own, natural material multiple researches are performed in order to find the best material able to replace natural tissue. The most suitable prosthesis ought to be: sterile, non-toxic, soft, flexible, elastic, not very stretchy, durable, easy to operate (cutting, suturing); to create desired shape required while reconstracting, totally resistant to contagion, without any complication after being implanted. Since early seventies many scientists following above requirements have carried out researches to create the most similar prosthesis morphologically and functionally to human tissue but still there is no such an ideal material on the market. Polyester with its derivatives is one of the most commonly applied synthetic substances in surgery. The type of biomaterial highly depends on its purpose e.g.: for vascular prosthesis materials that are resorptive in organism and support tightness (gelatine, albumin, collagen); while for temporal replacement abdominal layers with prosthesis the most suitable is impervious to systemic fluids bacteria etc material, that prevents penetrating the surface of prosthesis by surrounding tissues, adhesions with intestinum or other organs. Tegmentum is a material that posses these features. This is a polyester mesh covered with polyurethane on one side produced by Tricomed S.A. (Łódź). Tegmentum has already been applied to neonates with congenital eventration in Child and Neonatal Ward in the "Szpital Pomnik Matki Polki" hospital in Łódź.

Voice outcome following lateral laryngotomy to remove teflon granuloma

Formation of a Teflon granuloma may lead to progressive dysphonia and airway compromise. Excision of the granuloma by lateral laryngotomy allows preservation of the uninvolved lamina propria. A sternothyroid muscle flap or Silastic implant to medialize the vocal fold restores a straight glottal edge and optimizes voice production. Fifteen patients underwent removal of a Teflon granuloma via a lateral approach. Analysis of data revealed improved acoustic and aerodynamic parameters of voice following surgery. Indices of acoustic perturbation were reduced, and vocal pitch normalized. While the dynamic pitch range was unchanged, the capacity to vary loudness was enhanced. Flow rates in speech, abnormally elevated before surgery, normalized after the procedure, and phonation times were significantly longer. Perceptual and stroboscopic data confirmed that voices were improved, but not normal.

Cotton-induced pseudotumor of the femur

Twenty-five years prior to presentation a 41-year-old man had a femoral fracture stabilized with a 4.5 mm AO/ASIF steel plate. The femur healed uneventfully and the patient was asymptomatic for the following 20 years. He then noticed a slow-growing swelling of the left thigh associated with a degree of weakness. Radiographs of the femur 25 years after fracture stabilization showed a massive expansive osteolytic process surrounded by a rim of bone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the presence of a large tumor. Since malignancy could not be excluded the patient underwent incisional biopsy. The histologic findings were nonspecific. Because of persistent symptoms the lesion was marginally excised. Intraoperatively a folded cotton sponge was found adjacent to the femur. Histopathologic investigation confirmed a foreign body reaction probably related to the retained cotton sponge. Reactive, foreign-body-induced change may mimic bone and or soft tissue malignancies.

Identification of Mycobacterium marinum in sea-urchin granulomas

BACKGROUND

Sea-urchin granuloma is a chronic granulomatous reaction arising after injury with sea-urchin spines. Classified as an allergic foreign-body type of granuloma, it is believed to be a delayed-type reaction to an as yet unidentified antigen. In a clinicopathological study, 50 biopsy specimens from 35 patients diagnosed as having sea-urchin granuloma caused by Paracentrotus lividus, we found different inflammatory patterns that in some cases suggested a mycobacterial infection.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate and identify mycobacterial DNA in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded skin biopsy specimens diagnosed as sea-urchin granulomas.

METHODS

A search combining polymerase chain reaction amplification using Mycobacterium genus-specific primers, and subsequent restriction enzyme analysis enabling identification to the species level, was performed in 41 samples.

RESULTS

Amplification of a 924-bp DNA fragment encoding mycobacterial 16S rRNA gene was positive in eight biopsy specimens from seven patients (21%). M. marinum-specific restriction patterns were identified in three samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Although further controlled studies are necessary, from these data it would appear that mycobacteria may play a pathogenic role in some cases of sea-urchin granuloma.

Adverse reactions to injectable aesthetic microimplants

New inert materials such as polymerized silicones, Bioplastique, Artecoll, and Dermalive are now being used as injectable aesthetic microimplants. These substances are better than the old ones because they tend not to migrate and do not usually produce much of a host immune response. Adverse reactions after injection of these materials are rare, although there are a few reported cases as a result of bad technique or anomalous granulomatous reactions. We report on four patients with unsightly results after cosmetic microimplants, including one of Artecoll, one of Dermalive (to the best of our knowledge, the latter is the first such case reported), and two of silicone. This report describes the histopathologic features of cutaneous reactions to these injectable aesthetic materials.

Breast reconstruction with TRAM flap after subcutaneous mastectomy for injected material (siliconoma)

Many patients throughout the world have had breast augmentation using injectable materials. In the Far East, an adulterated impure silicone has been used by non-medical persons and unlicensed 'cosmetic surgeons' as well as by licensed physicians. The injected material usually causes a granulomatous reaction, tenderness, erythema, pain or discomfort and even skin necrosis. Eventually, the injected breast becomes very hard and develops a distorted contour. Previous treatment was by subcutaneous mastectomy with immediate or delayed reconstruction using a silicone prosthesis. The results of this were often unsatisfactory. We obtained more satisfactory results in 11 patients who had the siliconoma removed by subcutaneous mastectomy and the breast reconstructed with a de-epithelialised TRAM flap.

Sea-urchin granuloma: histologic profile. A pathologic study of 50 biopsies

BACKGROUND

Sea-urchin granuloma is a chronic granulomatous skin lesion caused by injury with sea-urchin spines. Frequently these lesions occur on the hands and develop several months after the initial injury. Classified as an allergic foreign-body reaction, their most common histological pattern resembles sarcoid. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the light microscopic features of biopsies from lesions clinically diagnosed of sea-urchin granolomas.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 50 biopsy specimens corresponding to 35 patients with sea-urchin granulomas. These lesions were caused by injuries with the spines of the sea-urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Data were collected between 1990 and 1999 from patients in the seashore of Galicia (NW Atlantic coast, Spain).

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 35 patients (31 males, 4 females), with a median age of 35 years (range 14-60 years). The median duration of the disease was 7.5 months (range 2-60 months). We identified different histopathologic patterns. A granulomatous reaction was observed in 39 biopsies (78%). In 70% corresponding to 35 biopsies this granulomatous reaction was predominant. Foreign-body, sarcoidal, tuberculoid, necrobiotic and suppurative granulomas were identified. The remaining 15 biopsies (30%) showed a predominant inflammatory reaction with features of non-specific chronic inflammation or suppurative dermatitis. A panel of histopathologic features, including epidermal and dermal changes were evaluated. Presence of focal necrosis and microabscesses were common findings. In 50% of our specimens we found umbilication and/or perforation. Additional features included the presence of inclusion epidermoid cysts in four cases and squamous syringometaplasia in one case.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations suggest that sea-urchin granuloma span a wide morphologic spectrum. A granulomatous inflammatory reaction was predominant, with the foreign body and sarcoidal types the most frequent patterns. Other histopathologic patterns with non granulomatous inflammation can be noted. Some features, such as the frequency of perforation and the presence of necrobiotic granulomas have not previously been recognized in the literature.

Anatomic and histopathologic findings following a failed ahmed glaucoma valve device

Ahmed glaucoma valve implant (AGV) is one of the more commonly used implants in difficult glaucomas. The histology of a functioning bleb following AGV implantation and its anatomic relationship to the optic nerve when placed in the superionasal quadrant has been described. We report the histology of a failed bleb and the anatomic relationship between the optic nerve and the AGV end-plate when placed 9 mm from the limbus in a patient with neovascular glaucoma.

Comparison of materials used in frontalis suspension

OBJECTIVE

To compare various materials used in frontalis suspension surgery for incidence of infection and/or granuloma formation and incidence of recurrent ptosis.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective medical record analysis was performed for 102 frontalis suspension operations performed on 43 patients between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1996, at Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis. Materials used for surgery were compared for incidence of infection and/or granuloma formation and incidence of recurrent ptosis. Materials included autogenous fascia lata, banked fascia lata, monofilament nylon, braided polyester, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, and polypropylene.

RESULTS

Infection and/or granuloma formation occurred in 10.8% of all frontalis suspensions and in less than 10.0% for each material used except expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Five (45.5%) of the 11 frontalis suspensions using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene required removal of the material because of suspected infection. Ptosis recurred in 32 cases (31.4%). Low incidence of recurrence was found with autogenous fascia lata and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the materials compared in this study, autogenous fascia lata may be the material of choice for frontalis suspension surgery in congenital ptosis. Other materials are useful for temporary eyelid elevation. All materials carry the risk of potential infection and/or granuloma formation.

Histopathology of polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-tex) as a scleral buckle in humans

Several materials have been used for scleral buckling implants in retinal detachment surgery. Of these, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Gore-tex) has the relative advantage of decreasing infection and extrusion when it is used as a scleral buckle material. In this report, we present the clinical and histopathologic finding of a case where Gore-tex was used as an encircling buckle material for retinal detachment operation.

[Adhesive ileus caused by a peritoneal reaction to starch]

Peritoneal reaction caused by glove powder is not so rare in surgical practice. We have presented a case report of a patient who was operated on due to the adhesive bowel obstruction, two years after the total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Changes found on the peritoneal surface were similar to carcinomatous dissemination, but intraoperative frozen section analysis showed granulomatous lesions caused by foreign bodies. Nature of these changes was confirmed by PAS smear and polarization microscopy. Clarification of the peritoneal changes during relaparotomy is possible only with careful microscopic analysis of these granulomas.

Foreign-body granuloma occurring in the mandible subsequent to orthognathic surgery: a case report

We report the first case of foreign-body granuloma occurring in the mandible of a patient with a history of orthognathic surgery. A 20-year-old male patient had a hard swelling and pain in the left mandibular angle and the parotid area. Plain radiographs showed a radiolucent lesion extending from the buccal area under the left sigmoid notch of the mandible to the mandibular angle. Computed tomographs showed an expanded osteolytic mass in the same area, with destruction of most of the bone on the buccal side. A microscopic examination revealed filamentous foreign material associated with chronic inflammatory cell infiltration and an aggregation of multinucleated giant cells. Foreign-body granuloma in the mandible, although rare, should be included in the differential diagnosis in cases of postoperative masses.