Neurogenic sarcoma of the sinonasal tract

Five cases of a rare malignant sinonasal tumour of neurofibromatous nature are described. The term neurogenic sarcoma (or malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour) is advocated instead of malignant schwannoma. The clinicopathological features of this tumour are described, and the different diagnosis are discussed. The necessity of using immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of sinonasal tumours of fibromatous nature is emphasized. The clinical management consists of radical surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Clinically there seems to be a high-grade and a low-grade type of sinonasal neurogenic sarcoma, however, this could not be distinguished histologically in the present series.

Influence of moderate hypothermia on ischemic brain damage incurred under hyperglycemic conditions

Preischemic hyperglycemia aggravates brain damage following transient ischemia, and adds some special features to the damage incurred, notably a high frequency of postischemic seizures, cellular edema, and affectation of additional brain structures, such as the substanta nigra pars reticulata (SNPR). We raised the question whether mild intra-ischemic hypothermia (32-33 degrees C), known to reduce selective neuronal vulnerability in normoglycemic subjects, also ameliorates the characteristic damage observed in hyperglycemic animals. To that end, two series of experiments were performed. In the first, normo- and hypothermic animals were subjected to 10 min of ischemia during hyperglycemic conditions (plasma glucose 20-25 mmol.l-1), and allowed either 15 h or 1 week of recovery. In the second, both normo- and hyperglycemic animals were subjected to 15 min of ischemia (at normal or reduced temperature) and surviving animals were studied after 1 week of recovery. All normothermic, hyperglycemic animals developed postischemic seizures and died within the first 24 h. Mild hypothermia afforded substantial protection. Thus, 6/7 hypothermic animals subjected to 10 min of ischemia survived 1 week of recovery and none developed post-ischemic seizures. Of the hypothermic animals subjected to 15 min of ischemia 6/11 survived for 1 week, only one of which developed seizures. Protection by hypothermia was also shown by the histopathological analysis. Experiments with 10 min of ischemia and 15 h of recovery showed the expected damage in normothermic, hyperglycemic subjects. Hypothermia markedly reduced damage in all vulnerable structures, including the cingulate cortex and SNPR. The protection was most pronounced in the caudoputamen, where no affected neurons were seen in the hypothermic subjects. The experiments with 15 min of ischemia confirmed previous findings that mild hypothermia protects normoglycemic animals against the insult. The results also showed that hypothermia prevented most of the exaggeration of damage caused by hyperglycemia. However, under hypothermic conditions hyperglycemia still augmented damage in the cingulate cortex, medial and lateral venteroposterior thalamic nuclei, and SNPR, structures specifically damaged under hyperglycemic, normothermic conditions. This suggests that hypothermia has less of a protective effect on mechanisms causing such damage than on neuronal damage in the classic selectively vulnerable regions, particularly the caudoputamen.

Preischemic hyperglycemia and postischemic alteration of rat brain pyruvate dehydrogenase activity

Transient cerebral ischemia in normoglycemic animals is followed by a decrease in glucose utilization, reflecting a postischemic cerebral metabolic depression and a reduction in the activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC). Preischemic hyperglycemia, which aggravates ischemic brain damage and invariably causes seizure, is known to further reduce cerebral metabolic rate. To investigate whether these effects are accompanied by changes in PDHC activity, the postischemic cerebral cortical activity of this enzyme was investigated in rats with preischemic hyperglycemia (plasma glucose 20-25 mM). The results were compared with those obtained in normoglycemic animals (plasma glucose 5-10 mM). The activated portion of PDHC and total PDHC activity were measured in neocortical samples as the rate of decarboxylation of [14C]pyruvate in crude brain mitochondrial homogenates after 5 min, 15 min, 1 h, 6 h, and 18 h of recirculation following 15 min of incomplete cerebral ischemia. In normoglycemic animals the fraction of activated PDHC, which rises abruptly during ischemia, was reduced to 19-25% during recirculation compared with 30% in sham-operated controls. In hyperglycemic rats the fraction of activated PDHC was higher during the first 15 min of recirculation. However, after 1 and 6 h of recirculation, the fraction was reduced to values similar to those measured in normoglycemic animals. Fifteen of 26 rats experienced early (1-4 h post ischemia) seizures in the recovery period. The PDHC activity appeared unchanged prior to these early postischemic seizures. We conclude that the accentuated depression of postischemic metabolic rate observed in hyperglycemic animals is not coupled to a corresponding postischemic depression of PDHC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ischemia in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats: plasma energy substrates and hormones

Seizures are a documented complication to cerebral ischemia. After 10 min of forebrain ischemia in rats, preischemic hyperglycemia invariably leads to severe, most often fatal epileptic attacks. This outcome is related to the exaggerated lactic acidosis, which has been suggested as a possible contributor to severe membrane changes and widespread edema. To find out if circulating hormones or plasma energy substrates modulate this additive damage caused by the hyperglycemia, plasma concentrations of of corticosterone, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, glucagon, insulin, glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), 3-hydroxybutyrate, and acetoacetate were measured before and in the early recirculation period after 15 min of forebrain ischemia in the rat. Plasma corticosterone levels did not differ between the normo- and hyperglycemic groups. Although not significantly different from control, the catecholamine levels showed a tendency to be higher in the hyperglycemic groups. Therefore, because catecholamines have been reported to have a protective effect during ischemia the present result cannot explain why hyperglycemia aggravates the ischemic damage. Insulin levels seemed to increase during ischemia but not significantly. Levels quickly returned to normal after 30 min of recirculation. FFA concentrations were reduced after the induction of ischemia and appeared lower in all hyperglycemic groups. The level of one of the ketone bodies, 3-hydroxybutyrate, showed a significant decrease in hyperglycemic ischemia in all groups compared with normoglycemic ischemia. The same tendency was seen for acetoacetate. Results are compatible with a protective role of ketone bodies in ischemia. It is concluded that among the hormones and substrates studied only the ketone body concentrations qualify as a modulator of the exaggerated brain damage after ischemia in hyperglycemic subjects.

Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma: report of three cases with pulmonary and lymph node metastases

Three cases of a newly described rare odontogenic tumor are reported. One patient died with pulmonary metastases, one had an associated odontogenic cyst and one exhibited regional lymph node metastasis. The cases lend support to the odontogenic origin and metastatic capability of the clear cell odontogenic tumor. The authors recommend aggressive therapy and believe that the tumor should be considered a clear cell odontogenic carcinoma.

Enzymatic defect in a child with hereditary hepatic porphyria due to homozygous delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase deficiency: immunochemical studies

Immunochemical studies of the enzyme defect in the first reported child with acute hepatic porphyria due to homozygous delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase deficiency are described. This enzyme activity was markedly decreased (approximately 2% of the normal control level) in the proband, a 3-year-old boy, and intermediately decreased (23% to 57%) in both parents, in both grandfathers, and in a sister, but it was normal in two siblings and in both grandmothers. In contrast to the profound decrease in delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, the immunoreactive enzyme protein in the child's erythrocytes was decreased to only 28% of the normal control level, suggesting the presence of positive cross-reactive material. In other family members with abnormally decreased delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, and in the proband immediately after transfusion of normal RBCs, the positive cross-reactive material was not detectable. The immunochemical and enzyme activity data support the idea that delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase deficiency in this porphyric child is associated with the production of a catalytically abnormal enzyme protein.

Malignant tumours in patients with non-invasive squamous cell lesions of the vocal cords

The concept of 'field cancerization' is applicable throughout the upper aerodigestive tract, oesophagus and lung. The material for this study consisted of 232 patients with hyperplasia, keratosis with or without dysplasia, and carcinoma in situ of the vocal cords. The overall risk for these patients with non-invasive squamous cell lesions of the vocal cords to have or to develop an independent, primary malignant tumour was 12.9% (30/232). Carcinomas of the head and neck, lung or oesophagus were diagnosed in 8.2% (19/232) of the patients. Patients with hyperplasia, keratosis, dysplasia and carcinoma in situ of the vocal cords should be carefully followed-up, not only as progression to invasive carcinoma may occur many years after the initial diagnosis, but also as there is a high incidence of independent primary tumours, especially of the multicentric type.

The effects of endorphins on mucous glycoprotein secretion from feline airways in vitro

The effect of opioid peptide hormones on respiratory glycoprotein secretion was investigated in a cat tracheal organ culture system. Dynorphin A (dyn, 10(-5) M), alpha-endorphin (alpha E, 10(-5) M) and morphine sulfate (MS, 10(-4) M) stimulated mucous glycoprotein (MGP) release from airways, whereas all other endorphins tested failed to have such an effect. Dyn did so in a dose dependent manner (10(-5)-10(-7) M) with a peak effect after a one hour incubation. Two sets of data suggest that dyn is acting through the previously described endorphin-kappa receptor: The active binding site of dyn is at the carboxyl end of the peptide; dyn fragment 1-13 stimulated MGP secretion while dyn fragment 1-8 did not. Naloxone in equimolar concentration totally inhibited the dyn response. We, therefore, conclude that the endorphins dyn and alpha E stimulate MGP release and that dyn is probably acting by stimulating kappa receptors.

Aminolaevulinate dehydratase porphyria in infancy. A clinical and biochemical study

Homozygous deficiency of aminolaevulinate dehydratase (porphobilinogen synthase, EC 4.2.1.24) was diagnosed in a small child. The clinical presentation was unique since severe symptoms were already present in the neonatal period. The patient, a boy, now three-years old, had recurrent attacks of pain, vomiting, hyponatraemia and symptoms of polyneuropathy engaging motor functions including respiration. The clinical course of the disease from birth on is related, as are the results of various attempts at therapy. The patient excreted large amounts of 5-aminolaevulinic acid and coproporphyrin and minor amounts of porphobilinogen in the urine. Faecal excretion of coproporphyrin and harderoporphyrin was increased as was erythrocyte porphyrin concentration. Diagnosis was established by the finding that erythrocyte aminolaevulinate dehydratase activity was less than 5 per cent of normal in the patient and between 26 and 51 per cent of normal in both the parents, the grandfathers and a sibling. The activity of the enzyme could not be restored by the addition of dithiothreitol (10(-3) mol/l) alone, or in combination with zinc or manganese in varying concentrations. The enzyme Km did not differ between affected and nonaffected members of the family.

Hypertetraploid cells in vocal cord epithelia

DNA measurements yield information about the nature of cells and may provide diagnostic and prognostic information. Static cytofluorometry was performed on smears removed at microlaryngoscopy from 107 vocal cord lesions (96 patients). All stem cell lines were diploid except 3; 2 carcinomas and 1 severe dysplasia were polyploid. The mean proliferative activity (percentage of nuclei greater than diploid peak) was 2.1% for the group of epithelia with hyperplasia and mild dysplasia, 3.1% for those with moderate dysplasia, 4.0% for severe dysplasia, and 6.8% for carcinomas. Hypertetraploid cell nuclei (HT cells) were not found in epithelia with hyperplasia and mild dysplasia. Seven out of 15 patients with epithelia showing moderate dysplasia had HT cells; 5 of these patients developed a carcinoma. One of 8 without HT cells developed a severe dysplasia. Nine patients with severe dysplasia had HT cells; 4 had recurrences and 4 developed carcinoma within 4 years. In 14 patients without HT cells, 3 had recurrences and 1 developed a carcinoma 6 years later. HT cells were found in 15 patients with T1 & T2 carcinomas; residual carcinoma was present in 2 after radiotherapy and 4 had recurrences within 11 months. Fourteen patients with T1 & T2 carcinoma did not have any HT cells; one had residual carcinoma after radiotherapy and 3 had recurrences between 18 months and 4 years. DNA measurements and, especially, the demonstration of epithelia with HT cells prove to be of prognostic importance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Multiple primary malignancies in patients treated for laryngeal carcinoma

Multiple primary malignancies were found in 32 of 295 consecutive patients (10.8%) treated for carcinoma of the larynx. Synchronously developing second primary lesions were found in four patients while metachronously presenting lesions were diagnosed in 28. Second and third primary tumors were most commonly found in the larynx (11 patients, all with extralaryngeal index lesions) and lung (11 patients). The results of this retrospective study confirm the high incidence of multicentric neoplasia in the upper aero-digestive tract, lungs and esophagus. The rationale for including broncho-esophagoscopy in the evaluation of patients with laryngeal index tumors is discussed.

Patient care review: results of the Canadian Psychiatric Association Hospital Survey

This paper is a report of the Education and Professional Liaison Council of the Canadian Psychiatric Association on the results of its questionnaire to 104 psychiatric hospital facilities in Canada on the extent, type and usefulness of patient care review procedures. The results indicate that the majority of hospitals appear to have initiated one or more patient care review activities within the last decade and have been carrying these out on a regular basis. These procedures have been considered useful for patient care and for continuing medical education. Both the frequency of patient care review activity and the type of procedure used, however, are directly related to the number of psychiatrists present in the center, with those hospitals having the least resources indicating little or no activity.

Cholesterol granuloma of the maxillary and frontal sinuses

5 cases of cholesterol granuloma are described, 3 within the maxillary sinuses and 2 within the frontal sinuses. The lesions arise from the mucosa and can be recognized on plain films and tomograms of the sinus as opacity, sometimes resembling a mucocele. Radical operation seems to give absolute cure without any recurrence. The pathogenesis is hemorrhage and/or filtration. The closed cavities of the paranasal sinuses provide favorable conditions for cholesterol to become dissociated from the lipoprotein complex and to precipitate and to give rise to a granulomatous reaction.

Scanning electron microscopy of vocal cord hyperplasia, keratosis, papillomatosis, dysplasia and carcinoma

The vocal cord fine surface structure was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the observations related to the light-microscopical (LM) findings after embedding and cutting. The SEM micrographs were assessed using a rating system based on 7 parameters. The proportion of "normal" and "abnormal" SEM areas varied within the respective histologic groups. There was, however, a significant difference between the SEM ratings in the group with hyperplasia-keratosis, with or without mild dysplasia, compared to the groups with severe dysplasia-carcinoma in situ and invasive squamous cell carcinoma. In the small number of cases with moderate dysplasia and juvenile laryngeal papilloma, the SEM ratings displayed pronounced disparity.

Single-cell DNA measurement in hyperplastic, dysplastic and carcinomatous laryngeal epithelia, with special reference to the occurrence of hypertetraploid cell nuclei

Single-cell DNA fluorometry was performed on smear preparations from 57 histologically verified lesions from the vocal cords. Special attention was paid to the detection of hypertetraploid cell nuclei, which may be considered neoplastic markers, since they are not present in normal vocal cord epithelium. Hypertetraploid nuclei were not found in hyperplastic or mildly dysplastic epithelia but were found in 4 of 14 specimens of moderate dysplasia and in 5 of 19 specimens of severe dysplasia. The presence of hypertetraploid nuclei was associated with more frequent recurrences and progression of disease. Hypertetraploid cell nuclei were found in 9 of 15 invasive carcinomas and in this group were associated with a worse prognosis. The proliferative activity was 1.7% for hyperplasia and mild dysplasia, 3.1% and 2.8%, respectively, for moderate and severe dysplasia and 7.6% for squamous-cell carcinoma.

The role of smear cytology in laryngeal diagnosis

There may be great difficulty especially in diffuse lesions, in obtaining representative laryngeal biopsy specimens. Therefore the reliability of laryngeal smear cytology was evaluated in comparison with the histologic diagnosis. The cytologic specimens were taken during 520 microlaryngoscopic examinations (direct technique). The sensitivity of the direct cytologic method in the detection of moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia-carcinoma in situ, and invasive carcinoma was 45% (17/38), 83% (59/71), and 93% (137/147), respectively. A false negative cytologic reading was more frequent after radiotherapy. The specificity of the direct cytologic technique in the detection of histologically "benign" lesions was 80% (210/264). In 23 patients cytologic smears were obtained at mirror laryngoscopy (indirect technique). Both the direct and indirect cytologic tests are easy to perform, quick, and may be of diagnostic value in laryngeal diagnosis, especially in screening examinations. However, cytology cannot supersede the histological examination of biopsy specimens.

Wild-albino hybrids and albino rats: thyroid weight but not muricide differences

Offspring of 6 wild, male (brown-coated) dump rats ( Rattus norvegicus) and laboratory albino females were compared with the offspring of albino rats on several tissue and muricide measures. At weaning, the 48 hybrid pups (all brown-coated), both vocalized and bit the experimenters' gloves; these behaviors were not apparent in the 40 albino pups. Adult hybrid rats did not kill significantly more mice than albino controls. Although hybrid rats had significantly lighter (ω2 = 55%) wet thyroid weights than albinos, they did not differ in spleen, thymus, adrenal, or body weights.

Hyperplasia, keratosis, dysplasia and carcinoma in situ of the vocal cords--a follow-up study

Comparison of reported series of laryngeal lesions is complicated by the inconsistency in the terminology. The classification of these lesions should logically be based on the degrees of dysplasia, as this has a bearing on the prognosis. The material for this study consisted of 193 patients with hyperplasia and/or keratosis, with or without mild dysplasia (Group I), moderate dysplasia (Group II), and severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ (Group III). They were treated over a 14-year period (1966-1979) at Linköping University Hospital. Of the 98 patients in Group I available for follow-up, 23 had repeat excisions. Moderate dysplasia developed in 3 patients, severe dysplasia in 2, and invasive carcinoma in another 2 within 3 and 3.5 years; they both underwent laryngectomy. Among the 24 patients in Group II available for follow-up, severe dysplasia developed in 3 and invasive carcinoma in 3 up to 13 years after the initial diagnosis, all but one (with severe dysplasia) received a full course of radiotherapy, on one case total laryngectomy was subsequently performed for recurrent carcinoma. Of the 39 patients with severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ 16 were given primary radiotherapy; 4 of these developed invasive carcinoma; 3 of them underwent total laryngectomy and one partial laryngectomy. Excision or stripping of the vocal cords was the primary treatment in 23 cases; 5 of these developed invasive carcinoma; 2 of them underwent total laryngectomy. Diffuse lesions and well differentiated forms of severe dysplasia caused most problems and had the highest incidence of invasive carcinoma irrespective of the form of treatment. Patients with hyperplasia, keratosis, dysplasia and carcinoma in situ should be carefully followed up, as invasive carcinoma may develop many years after the initial diagnosis.

Exfoliative cytology in laryngology: comparison of cytologic and histologic diagnoses in 350 microlaryngoscopic examinations--a prospective study

In a prospective study comprising 350 microlaryngoscopic examinations, the reliability of exfoliative cytologic diagnosis was evaluated in comparison with the histologic findings. In 157 of 190 lesions with histologically moderate and severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, and invasive carcinoma, the cytologic smears were positive. The sensitivity of the exfoliative cytologic method in the detection of "malignant" lesions was thus 83%. False-negative smears were more common after radiotherapy and in the group with moderate dysplasia. In 134 of 160 histologically benign lesions, the cytologic evaluation was negative. The specificity of the smear test was thus 84%. In at least one case the cytologic examination disclosed true malignancy that had been overlooked at biopsy.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the larynx

Extramedullary plasmacytomas, indistinguishable histologically from multiple myeloma, are fairly uncommon tumors, which are most frequently located in the upper airways. However, the larynx is rarely involved. Ten per cent of reported cases have multiple lesions. The patient reported here had a plasmacytoma of the right false vocal cord which was removed by laryngofissure one month after irradiation treatment (50 Gy) since the tumor showed only a slight regression. Tonsillectomy was performed for another plasmacytoma of the left tonsil. The patient has now been followed for seven years, and there has been no evidence of systemic disease.

Toluidine blue. An aid in the microlaryngoscopic diagnosis of glottic lesions?

The value of toluidine blue staining in vivo in the diagnosis of glottic lesions was examined by comparing the results obtained in a series with the histological findings. This material included 272 biopsy specimens from the vocal cords (202 microlaryngoscopic examinations). In 148 of these, the changes were classified as "malignant" (moderate and severe dysplasia and carcinoma) and in 124 as "benign." The sensitivity of the staining test in detection of malignant lesions was 91%. Among 13 false-negative results (9% of the malignant group), there was keratosis in 11. The overall specificity of the staining tests was 52%. The false-positive lesions displayed "benign" pathological alterations, such as inflammation and ulceration. False-positive findings were more common after radiotherapy. A correct diagnosis of malignancy on the basis of positive staining was more frequent the greater the intensity of staining.

Pharyngocutaneous fistulae following total laryngectomy

Postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula formation is a troublesome complication in head and neck surgery and occurred in 8 out of 53 patients following a total laryngectomy (15%). The incidence falls within the lower range of that reported in the literature (6-66%). Different factors which may influence the formation of fistulae were analysed. Factors which seem to increase fistula formation are previous full dose radiotherapy (Co60), residual carcinoma and surgical technique.