The impact of postharvest interventions on the color stability and, subsequently, the palatability of beef from cattle fed wet distillers grain

Two hundred forty heifers were fed at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, in 1 of 2 treatment groups: a dry rolled corn (CON) diet or a diet including 30% wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS). Chuck rolls (n = 60) and paired strip loins (n = 75 pairs; 38 CON and 37 WDGS) were collected from each treatment group and processed at 3 d and 14 d, respectively. After grinding, each chuck was separated into 8 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film overwrapped packages and 8 high oxygen modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), each containing approximately 0.23 kg of ground beef, for evaluation by a trained color panel, a trained color panel and a trained sensory panel and for thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) analysis. After 14 d, 1 strip loin from each pair was injected with an enhancement solution. Steaks from each strip loin were fabricated and packaged, one-half in PVC and one-half in MAP. In addition to the evaluation by trained color and sensory panels and TBARS analysis, steaks were subjected to instrumental color evaluation using a HunterLab Miniscan XE and Warner-Bratzler Shear Force analysis using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Ground beef exhibited no significant differences in color between dietary treatments; however, sensory panelists did find MAP WDGS had less beefy flavor (P = 0.05) and more painty flavor (P = 0.01) intensities than the MAP CON ground beef. Cattle fed WDGS discolored more (P = 0.01) and had less bright steaks than cattle fed the CON when MAP and enhanced. Distillers fed, nonenhanced (nonE) MAP steaks were redder and yellower than control steaks (P < 0.05) on removal from simulated retail display. There were no other significant (P > 0.05) color differences between dietary treatments using any other combination of postharvest interventions. Sensory panel results indicated WDGS NE PVC products were juicier and more tender (P < 0.05), initially, and contained less connective tissue (5.3 ± 0.1, 5.5 ± 0.1, and 5.9 ± 0.4, respectively) than the steaks from CON carcasses (5.1 ± 0.1, 5.4 ± 0.1, and 5.8 ± 0.4, respectively). Although WDGS NE MAP steaks showed more oxidation than CON NE MAP steaks on removal from retail case, all TBAR values were well below a threshold of 1 mg malonaldehyde/kg. Essentially, MAP but not enhancing products from cattle fed WDGS may be the best way to maintain a visually appealing appearance in the retail case but at possible risk to product juiciness.

Growth and Development Symposium: Impacts of inflammation on cattle growth and carcass merit

Inflammation caused by bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing beef cattle producers and feedlot managers. Inflammation decreases DMI, ADG, and G:F in feedlot calves, decreasing growth rate and increasing days on feed, which results in economic losses during the feeding period. During the past decade, marketing of feedlot animals has changed from selling cattle on a live basis to a grid-based marketing system. When cattle are marketed on a live basis, the economic effects of BRD stop at increased health cost and decreased feedlot performance, carcass weight, and death loss. However, when cattle are marketed in a grid-based system, inflammation has the potential to also affect carcass cutability and quality. The effects of inflammation on feedlot cattle in regards to performance are well understood; however, specific effects on cattle growth and ultimately carcass merit are not as well described. Recent studies in feedlot cattle have indicated that the incidence of BRD decreases both HCW and marbling; however, mechanisms are not understood. Research in other species has demonstrated that during the acute phase response, pro-inflammatory cytokines promote skeletal muscle catabolism to supply AA and energy substrates for immune tissues. Further, during this early immune response, the liver changes its metabolic priorities to the production of acute phase proteins for use in host defense. Together these dramatic shifts in systemic metabolism may explain the detrimental effects on performance and carcass traits commonly associated with BRD in feedlot calves. Moreover, recent studies relative to human health have revealed complex multilevel interactions between the metabolic and immune systems, and highlighted inflammation as being a significant contributor to major metabolic diseases. The objective of this paper is to review data to help explain the economical and physiological effects of inflammation on cattle growth and carcass merit.

Ruminal acidosis challenge impact on ruminal temperature in feedlot cattle

The objective of this experiment was to determine if ruminal temperature rise coincides with pH reduction using an acidosis challenge model. Twelve ruminally cannulated steers (518 ± 28 kg BW) were administered ruminal temperature-monitoring devices that recorded temperature every 2 min. Steers were fed a 63% concentrate diet at 1.6% BW for 20 d before being randomly assigned to 1 of 3 acidosis challenge treatments: no dietary change (CON), one-half of daily DMI replaced with cracked corn (HALF), or all of daily DMI replaced with cracked corn (CORN). The challenge was initiated by ruminally dosing steers with their treatment diets. Ruminal pH and rectal temperatures (T(rec)) were recorded every 3 h for 72 h. All steers were offered CON diets at 24 and 48 h after challenge. Ruminal pH showed a treatment × day effect (P = 0.01). Ruminal pH of CORN steers was lower (P = 0.03) than that of HALF steers on d 1, was lower (P ≤ 0.004) than that of HALF and CON steers on d 2, and tended to be lower (P ≤ 0.10) than that of HALF and CON steers on d 3. Treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.42) RecT. Ruminal temperature (T(rum)) showed a treatment · d(-1) · h(-1) after feeding interaction (P < 0.01). At 3 h after challenge, T(rum) of CORN and HALF steers was higher (P ≤ 0.01) than that of CON steers. On d 2, T(rum) of CORN steers was higher (P ≤ 0.03) than that of CON between 6 and 12 h after feeding. From 15 to 21 h after feeding on d 2, T(rum) of HALF steers was higher (P < 0.01) than that of CORN and CON steers. On d 3, at the time of feeding until 3 h later, T(rum) of CORN steers was lower (P ≤ 0.04) than that of all other steers. Rectal temperature was correlated (P ≤ 0.01) with T(rum) on all days for CON and CORN steers. Ruminal pH was negatively correlated (P ≤ 0.04) with T(rec) on d 2 and T(rum) on d 1 in CORN steers, and T(rum) was negatively correlated (P ≤ 0.02) with ruminal pH in HALF and CON steers on d 1 and 3, respectively. The amount of time above T(rum) of 39.0°C or 39.45°C was correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with the time spent below a ruminal pH of 5.5 in CORN steers; however, time above T(rum) of 39.0°C did not differ (P = 0.87) among treatments. Results indicate that there is a negative relationship between T(rum) and ruminal pH during an acidotic episode; therefore, T(rum) monitoring can detect a potential acidotic episode.

Meta-analysis of randomized control trials for the incidence and risk of treatment-related mortality in patients with cancer treated with vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors

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Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become the cornerstone in the treatment of several malignancies. These drugs have also been associated with an increase in the risk of potentially life-threatening adverse events, such as arterial thrombotic events, bleeding, congestive heart failure, and others. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to determine the risk of fatal adverse events (FAEs) in patients with cancer treated with VEGFR TKIs.

Methods: MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for articles published from January 1966 to February 2011. Eligible studies were limited to trials of US Food and Drug Administration– approved VEGFR TKIs (pazopanib, sunitinib, and sorafenib) that reported on patients with cancer with any primary tumor type, randomized design, and adequate safety profile. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary incidence, relative risk (RR), and 95% CIs by using random-effects or fixed-effects models on the basis of the heterogeneity of included studies.

Results: In all, 4,679 patients from 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, with 2,856 from sorafenib, 1,388 from sunitinib, and 435 from pazopanib trials. The incidence of FAEs related to VEGFR TKIs was 1.5% (95% CI, 0.8% to 2.4%) with an RR of 2.23 (95% CI, 1.12 to 4.44; P .023) compared with control patients. On subgroup analysis, no difference in the rate of FAEs was found between different VEGFR TKIs or tumor types. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

Conclusions: In a meta-analysis of RCTs, the use of VEGFR TKIs was associated with an increased risk of FAEs compared with control patients.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials for the incidence and risk of treatment-related mortality in patients with cancer treated with vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors

PURPOSE

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become the cornerstone in the treatment of several malignancies. These drugs have also been associated with an increase in the risk of potentially life-threatening adverse events, such as arterial thrombotic events, bleeding, congestive heart failure, and others. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to determine the risk of fatal adverse events (FAEs) in patients with cancer treated with VEGFR TKIs.

METHODS

MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for articles published from January 1966 to February 2011. Eligible studies were limited to trials of US Food and Drug Administration-approved VEGFR TKIs (pazopanib, sunitinib, and sorafenib) that reported on patients with cancer with any primary tumor type, randomized design, and adequate safety profile. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary incidence, relative risk (RR), and 95% CIs by using random-effects or fixed-effects models on the basis of the heterogeneity of included studies.

RESULTS

In all, 4,679 patients from 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, with 2,856 from sorafenib, 1,388 from sunitinib, and 435 from pazopanib trials. The incidence of FAEs related to VEGFR TKIs was 1.5% (95% CI, 0.8% to 2.4%) with an RR of 2.23 (95% CI, 1.12 to 4.44; P = .023) compared with control patients. On subgroup analysis, no difference in the rate of FAEs was found between different VEGFR TKIs or tumor types. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

CONCLUSION

In a meta-analysis of RCTs, the use of VEGFR TKIs was associated with an increased risk of FAEs compared with control patients.

Inadvertent surgical resection of soft tissue sarcomas

BACKGROUND

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) published Improving Outcome Guidance in 2006 defining urgent referral criteria for soft tissue sarcoma (STSs) with the twin aims of improving diagnostic accuracy and overall outcome. Despite these guidelines inadvertent excisions of soft tissue sarcomas continue to occur with alarming frequency, potentially compromising patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed the East Midlands Sarcoma Service experience of treating inadvertent excision of STSs and highlight the patient profile, referral pattern, subsequent management and oncological outcome associated with inadvertent resection.

METHODS

Patients were identified from our sarcoma database and a retrospective case note review performed.

RESULTS

Over a 3-year period, 42 patients presented to our specialist centre after unplanned excision of soft tissue sarcomas. There were 29 men and 13 women, with a mean age at presentation of 59 years (19-90). 50% of the tumours were located in lower extremity, 33% around the trunk and 17% in the upper extremity. The unplanned surgery was most commonly from general surgeons, plastic surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, general practitioners followed by vascular surgeons. Re-resection was undertaken in 40 cases to achieve clear margins with residual tumour present in 74% of cases. Limb salvage surgery was not possible in 5 cases.

CONCLUSION

Unplanned excision of sarcoma by non-oncologic surgeons remains a problem. It appears that it is equally prevalent in varied surgical community and general practitioners. Excision of large or deep solid soft tissue masses without tissue diagnosis is unacceptable.

Vitamin E supplementation in beef finishing diets containing 35% wet distillers grains with solubles: feedlot performance and carcass characteristics

Supplementation of vitamin E has indications for improving cattle health, performance, and retail characteristics when included in grain-based diets. This experiment was conducted to determine performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed diets containing wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) and supplemented with vitamin E. Steers of mixed Bos indicus and Bos taurus breeding (n = 199; BW = 363 ± 32 kg) were blocked by BW and assigned to 1 of 4 supplemental vitamin E (VITE) treatments [0 (control), 125, 250, and 500 IU·steer(-1)·d(-1)], which were fed for the last 97 d of the feeding period. Two blocks were on feed 129 d, and 3 blocks were fed for 150 d. Steers were fed a dry-rolled corn-based finishing diet with 35% WDGS (DM basis). Individual BW were measured initially, the initial day of vitamin E supplementation, and the day of slaughter. Carcass weights were collected at slaughter, and carcass data were collected after a 36-h chill. Body weight and ADG were not affected by VITE (P ≥ 0.34). There was a tendency for a linear (P = 0.08) increase in carcass-adjusted BW with increasing VITE. Use of carcass-adjusted final BW resulted in a linear increase (P = 0.04) in ADG with increasing VITE. Pre-vitamin E and vitamin E feeding period DMI were not affected (P ≥ 0.24) by VITE, but there was a tendency (P = 0.08) for a linear increase in overall DMI with increasing VITE. No difference (P ≥ 0.29) occurred in G:F measures using BW gains, but G:F using carcass-adjusted BW gains resulted in a trend (P = 0.11) for G:F to increase linearly with increasing VITE. Hot carcass weights tended (P = 0.08) to increase linearly with increasing dietary vitamin E. Vitamin E supplementation resulted in no effects (P ≥ 0.13) on measured carcass characteristics. Calculated yield grades (YG) were also not affected (P ≥ 0.37). However, the distribution of calculated YG resulted in a quadratic effect (P = 0.02) for YG 3 with the control and 500 VITE being greater than the 2 intermediate amounts. However, the percentage of carcasses grading YG 3 or less were not affected by vitamin E supplementation (P = 0.64). No differences were observed in the distribution of quality grades based on marbling scores (P ≥ 0.57). Data from this study suggest that vitamin E supplemented above basal requirements during the last 97 d of the feeding period in finishing diets containing 35% WDGS results in slight to no effect on animal performance or carcass characteristics.

Incidence and risk of congestive heart failure in patients with renal and nonrenal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib

PURPOSE

Sunitinib is a multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and GI stromal tumor. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an important adverse effect that has been reported with sunitinib, but overall incidence and relative risk (RR) remain undefined. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to determine the risk of developing CHF in patients with both RCC and non-RCC tumors treated with sunitinib.

METHODS

Medline databases were searched for articles published between January 1966 and February 2011. Eligible studies were limited to phase II and III trials of sunitinib with adequate safety reporting in patients with cancer of any tumor type. Summary incidence, RR, and 95% CIs were calculated using random- or fixed-effects models based on the heterogeneity of included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 6,935 patients were included. Overall incidence for all- and high-grade CHF in sunitinib-treated patients was 4.1% (95% CI, 1.5% to 10.6%) and 1.5% (95% CI, 0.8% to 3.0%), respectively. RR of all- and high-grade CHF in sunitinib-treated patients compared with placebo-treated patients was 1.81 (95% CI, 1.30 to 2.50; P < .001) and 3.30 (95% CI, 1.29 to 8.45; P = .01), respectively. On subgroup analysis, there was no difference observed in CHF incidence for patients with RCC versus non-RCC or in trials with or without cardiac monitoring. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

CONCLUSION

Sunitinib use is associated with increased risk of CHF in patients with cancer.

Effect of bovine respiratory disease during preconditioning on subsequent feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and beef attributes

Heifers with expected increased risk of bovine respiratory disease (BRD; n = 360; initial BW = 241.3 +/- 16.6 kg) were assembled at a Kentucky order-buyer facility and delivered to Stillwater, OK, in September 2007 to determine the effects of clinical BRD observed during preconditioning on subsequent feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and meat attributes. During a 63-d preconditioning period, morbidity and mortality attributed to BRD were 57.6 and 8.6%, respectively. Immediately after preconditioning, heifers were grouped according to health outcome category and allotted to finishing pens (5 to 7 heifers/pen). Heifers were never treated for BRD (0X; n = 9 pens), treated 1 time (1X; n = 9 pens), 2 times (2X; n = 6 pens), 3 times (3X; n = 6 pens), or designated as chronically ill (CI; n = 2 pens). Arrival BW was not different (P = 0.21) among treatment categories. However, disease incidence during preconditioning decreased (P < 0.001) growth, resulting in BW of 318, 305, 294, 273, and 243 kg for 0X, 1X, 2X, 3X, and CI, respectively, at the start of the finishing phase. Estimates on the LM, taken by ultrasound on d 65 and 122, were combined with BW and visual appraisal to target common average endpoint within category and block. On average, heifers were slaughtered on d 163 for 0X, 1X, and 2X, d 182 for 3X, and d 189 for CI (P < 0.01). Final BW was similar (P > or = 0.18) for heifers treated 0, 1, 2, or 3 times, but heifers deemed CI weighed less (P = 0.01) than 3X heifers. Considering the finishing phase only, ADG was linearly increased (P < 0.001) with increasing BRD treatments, but was linearly decreased (P = 0.003) as BRD treatments increased from arrival to slaughter. Therefore, G:F was greater (P = 0.007) for CI than 3X and linearly increased (P = 0.002) from 0X to 3X. Similar to BW, HCW was less (P = 0.03) for CI than 3X. Marbling score tended (P = 0.06) to decrease linearly as the number of treatments increased, but no other differences (P > or = 0.24) in carcass traits were detected. No differences were observed in beef tenderness (P = 0.65), and no consistent trends were noted in retail display or palatability data. Less than 20 additional days on feed were required for heifers treated 3 times to have similar BW and carcass characteristics to heifers never treated for BRD. Segregating animals with multiple BRD treatments and feeding them to an acceptable carcass endpoint may be a viable strategy for increasing value of animals treated for BRD.

Effects of exposure to calves persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1b and Mannheimia haemolytica challenge on animal performance, nitrogen balance, and visceral organ mass in beef steers

Bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDV) have been isolated alone or in combination with other viral and bacterial pathogens in animals diagnosed with bovine respiratory disease (BRD), a disease causing major economic loss to the feedlot industry. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of Mannheimia haemolytica challenge after short-term exposure (72 h) to bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1b (BVDV1b) persistently infected (PI) calves on performance, N balance, and organ mass in finishing cattle. Treatments (6 steers/treatment; initial BW = 314 +/- 31 kg) were 1) steers not exposed to steers PI with BVDV nor challenged with M. haemolytica (control; CON); 2) steers exposed to 2 steers PI with BVDV1b (BVD) for 72 h; 3) steers intratracheally challenged with M. haemolytica (MH); or 4) steers exposed to 2 steers PI with BVDV1b for 72 h and challenged with M. haemolytica (BVD+MH). There were 12 h between exposure to PI steers and challenge with M. haemolytica. Steers were housed in metabolism stanchions during the first 5 d after the M. haemolytica challenge and on d 7 to 11, 28 to 32, and for 5 d before slaughter (average 119 d on feed) to determine N balance and were weighed every 28 d. At slaughter, carcass and organ mass data were collected. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, and steer was used as the experimental unit. From d -3 (beginning of PI steer exposure) to 4, steers challenged with M. haemolytica had less (P = 0.04) ADG than steers not challenged with M. haemolytica. In addition, steers exposed to steers PI with BVDV tended (P = 0.09) to have less ADG and G:F across the entire finishing period than steers not exposed to BVDV. Before slaughter, retained N expressed as grams per day (P = 0.03) and as a percentage of N intake (P = 0.04) was less in BVD steers compared with steers not exposed to BVDV. There were no effects (P > 0.10) of BVDV exposure or M. haemolytica challenge on empty BW (EBW) or carcass characteristics. Expressed as a percentage of EBW, HCW was less (P = 0.02) and total offal weight was greater (P = 0.02) for steers challenged with M. haemolytica compared with steers not challenged. Results are in agreement with those reported in larger scale finishing studies and suggest that acute exposure to BRD-related pathogens can have long-term effects on animal performance.

Can we measure catalyst efficiency in asymmetric chemical reactions? A theoretical approach

Small molecule asymmetric catalysts are often described as being “good” or “bad” but to date there has been no way of comparing catalyst efficiency quantitatively. We define a simple formula, Asymmetric Catalyst Efficiency (ACE), that allows for such a comparison. We propose that a catalyst is more efficient if fewer atoms are utilised to give a product in a required enantiomeric excess. We illustrate this concept by analysing several well-known asymmetric catalytic chemical reactions carried out in academic laboratories, and compare small molecule catalysts with enzymes. We conclude that ACE is a useful descriptor for the comparison of diverse catalytic systems. It is also noteworthy that, despite the relatively short period of investigation into small molecule catalysts, they are competitive with enzymes with regards to this measure of catalytic efficiency.

An Investigation into the Allylic Imidate Rearrangement of Trichloroacetimidates Catalysed by Cobalt Oxazoline Palladacycles

Dimeric palladacycles, di-mu-X-bis[{eta(5)-(S)-((p)R)-2-[2'-(4'-methylethyl)oxazolinyl]cyclopentadienyl,1-C,3'-N}(eta(4)-tetraphenylcyclobutadiene)cobalt]dipalladium (COP-X), containing bridging groups X=OAc, Cl, Br, I, O(2)CCF(3), p-O(2)CC(6)H(4)F, were synthesised and compared as catalysts for the asymmetric allylic imidate rearrangement of (E)-Cl(3)CC(=NH)OCH(2)CH=CHR with R=nPr. The enantiomeric excess of the product (S)-Cl(3)CC(=O)NHCHRCH=CH(2) was essentially invariant of X (93-96%) and the yield increased in the sequence I<p-O(2)CC(6)H(4)F<OAc<O(2)CCF(3) approximately Br approximately Cl. With X=Cl (COP-Cl), the catalyst loading was reduced to 0.25 mol% (CH(3)CN/70 degrees C/48 h) and these conditions applied to various trichloroacetimidates (R=nPr, Me, CH(2)Ph, CH(2)CH=CH(2), CH(2)OTBDMS) to give the corresponding (S)-trichloroacetamides (68-88% yield, 84-94% ee; ee=enantiomeric excess). Addition of COP-Cl to triphenylphosphinobenzoyl NovaGel AM resin gave a recyclable catalyst in which the ee was maintained over three cycles (89-94%). Catalysis with COP-OAc displayed a small positive non-linear effect. The factors responsible for the activity of COP-X are discussed.

Influence of protein supplementation frequency on cows consuming low-quality forage: performance, grazing behavior, and variation in supplement intake

The objectives of this research were to determine the influence of protein supplementation frequency on cow performance, grazing time, distance traveled, maximum distance from water, cow distribution, DMI, DM digestibility, harvest efficiency, percentage of supplementation events frequented, and CV for supplement intake for cows grazing low-quality forage. One hundred twenty pregnant (60 +/- 45 d) Angus x Hereford cows (467 +/- 4 kg BW) were used in a 3 x 3 Latin square design for one 84-d period in each of three consecutive years. Cows were stratified by age, BCS, and BW and assigned randomly to one of three 810-ha pastures. Treatments included an unsupplemented control (CON) and supplementation every day (D; 0.91 kg, DM basis) or once every 6 d (6D; 5.46 kg, DM basis) with cottonseed meal (CSM; 43% CP, DM basis). Four cows from each treatment (each year) were fitted with global positioning system collars to estimate grazing time, distance traveled, maximum distance from water, cow distribution, and percentage of supplementation events frequented. Collared cows were dosed with intraruminal n-alkane controlled-release devices on d 28 for estimation of DMI, DM digestibility, and harvest efficiency. Additionally, Cr2O3 was incorporated into CSM on d 36 at 3% of DM for use as a digesta flow marker to estimate the CV for supplement intake. Cow BW and BCS change were greater (P < or = 0.03) for supplemented treatments compared with CON. No BW or BCS differences (P > or = 0.14) were noted between D and 6D. Grazing time was greater (P = 0.04) for CON compared with supplemented treatments, with no difference (P = 0.26) due to supplementation frequency. Distance traveled, maximum distance from water, cow distribution, DMI, DM digestibility, and harvest efficiency were not affected (P > or = 0.16) by protein supplementation or supplementation frequency. The percentage of supplementation events frequented and the CV for supplement intake were not affected (P > or = 0.58) by supplementation frequency. Results suggest that providing protein daily or once every 6 d to cows grazing low-quality forage increases BW and BCS gain, while decreasing grazing time. Additionally, protein supplementation and supplementation frequency may have little to no effect on cow distribution, DMI, and harvest efficiency in the northern Great Basin.

A distinctive vulval fibroma of so-called prepubertal type in a postmenopausal patient

The case of a 65-year-old female patient who has had a large right vulval mass for over 30 years is reported here. The mass was excised, but the hypocellular mesenchymal tumour was difficult to classify histologically. On further specialist assessment, it was found to be identical to the recently recognised distinctive prepubertal vulval fibroma. These are very rarely reported in children, and till now, has never been reported in an adult.