Malignant thymoma in a patient with HIV positivity: a case report with a review of the differential cytologic diagnoses

A 33-yr-old African-American male with known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity underwent CT guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of an anterior mediastinal mass. The aspirate was composed of a dimorphic population of cells that included small mature lymphoid cells and scattered cohesive groups of large epithelial cells in equal numbers. The neoplasm stained strongly for low weight molecular cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), leukocyte common antigen (LCA), and Leu-7 which was consistent with a diagnosis of thymoma. Subsequent biopsies determined the neoplasm to be a malignant (invasive) thymoma. This case emphasizes the efficacy of FNA biopsy for the evaluation of anterior mediastinal masses in HIV infected individuals. Additionally, the differential cytologic diagnoses for HIV infected individuals for this anatomic site are discussed.

Surgical experience of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection with mid-term follow-up in a developing country

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the incidence, the different age group, varied clinical presentation, incremental risk factors for surgery and follow-up results from this part of the world.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Retrospective study with follow-up from 3 months to 5 years.

SETTING

Institutional practice with hospitalised care.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Hospitalised patients with a diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients who were diagnosed to have total anomalous pulmonary venous connection underwent corrective surgery.

RESULTS

There were 20 hospital deaths postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 1.9 year. Logistic regression analysis identified age group, timing of surgery, associated anomalies preoperative symptoms, anatomical type of lesion, pulmonary artery hypertension, duration of ventilation, low cardiac output as risk factors for surgery. The mean survival time was 4-8 years.

CONCLUSION

Mortality continues to be higher from this part of the world due to severe malnourishment, late presentation. Sociodemographic factors also play a major role in affecting surgical outcome apart from the identified risk factors for surgery.

Improved method for study of chromosomes of chorionic villus samples

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) offers rapid prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal disorders. We evaluated four methods for chromosomal analysis of chorionic villi (three based on direct preparations and one on long-term culture) in order to define a method which would provide good quality metaphases in sufficient numbers. The direct culturing method using synchronisation and dissociation with dispase was as good as long-term culturing. The optimal period of gestation for study was 10-12 wk.

Diurnal variations in circulating estradiol, testosterone, melatonin and harderian gland porphyrin concentration in Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti

A two-peak cyclicity in the plasma level of melatonin, estradiol/testosterone and Harderian porphyrin was noted in F. pennanti. An inverse relationship of Harderian porphyrin with plasma melatonin and a direct relation of it with plasma estradiol/testoserone level were also observed, suggesting that the variation of Harderian, porphyrin concentration may be under the control of both, circulating melatonin and gonadal steroids.

Organic Compounds of Uranium (V)

The reactions of Uranium pentaethoxide with 1,3 dicarbonyl ligands (dibenzoyl methane, ethyl 1-methyl acetoacetate, 5,5 dimethyl 1,3 cyclohexane dione (dimedone) have been studied under anhydrous conditions and the derivatives of the type U(OEt)5-x(lig)x (where x= 1, 2 or 3) have been isolated. These derivatives interchange their ethoxy groups with tertiary butoxy groups when treated with tertiary butanol. Determination of molecular weight of soluble derivatives suggest them to be monomeric in boiling benzene.