Neuropsychological characteristics of benign multiple sclerosis patients: A two-year matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

The definition of benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) is still debated. It is mainly based on physical status, however, there is an attempt to involve cognitive functioning or paraclinical factors in order to avoid unnecessary long-term treatment with disease-modifying therapies and to identify these subjects in the early stages of the disease. Therefore the aim of our two-year follow-up study was to investigate the pattern of cognitive functioning and depression in patients with BMS compared to treated relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and healthy controls.

METHODS

A group of 22 BMS patients was tested against matched RRMS patients and healthy controls. All individuals underwent neuropsychological evaluation exploring mood and the cognitive domains most frequently impaired in MS. MS patients were retested at two-year follow-up.

RESULTS

In terms of cognitive functions there were no differences between BMS and RRMS patients either at baseline or at two-year follow-up. Compared to healthy controls BMS patients showed poorer performance in long-term visuo-spatial memory and information processing speed, whereas, complex attention, working memory, long-term verbal memory - despite slower verbal learning - and executive function were found to be intact. RRMS patients showed significant difference in complex attention, long-term visual memory and information processing speed. Cognitive impairment differed in the patient groups in terms of severity. Both patient groups were depressed compared to controls, but significant differences were found only between BMS and healthy individuals.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study confirm that cognitive functions and mood can be affected in MS independent of disease course and disease modifying treatment. The "benign" label should be treated as only a reference to physical status and non-motor symptoms should be routinely monitored. Without receiving therapy it is an existing entity with longstanding minimal disability.

Solitary orbital myofibroma in a child: A rare case report with literature review

Myofibroma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor of uncertain histogenesis. A six-year-old boy presented with a unilateral lower eyelid mass of six weeks’ duration. MRI revealed a circumscribed mass in the inferolateral orbit with bony erosion. A systemic examination was unremarkable. Excision with histopathology revealed a partially infiltrative spindle cell tumor with bland nuclear morphology expressing smooth muscle actin and muscle-specific actin, compatible with myofibroma. Solitary myofibroma is a rare childhood orbital tumor and may clinico-radiologically closely mimic a malignancy. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry can help reach a definitive diagnosis. Systemic evaluation and close follow up are crucial in such cases.

Splenic preservation versus splenectomy in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: a propensity score-matched study

Background

The laparoscopic approach in distal pancreatectomy is associated with higher rates of splenic preservation compared to open surgery. Although favorable postoperative short-term outcomes have been reported in open spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy when compared to distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, it is unclear whether this observation applies to the laparoscopic approach. The aim of this study is to compare laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (LDPS).

Study design

This is a UK wide, propensity score-matched study, including patients who underwent LSPDP or LDPS between 2006 and 2016. Short-term outcomes were compared between LSPDP and LDPS according to intention to treat. Additionally, risk factors for unplanned splenectomy were explored.

Results

A total of 456 patients were included from eleven centers (229 LSPDP and 227 LDPS). We were able to match 173 LSPDP cases to 173 LDPS cases, according to intention to treat. No differences were seen in postoperative morbidity between the groups. The only identified risk factor for unplanned splenectomy was tumor size ≥ 30 mm.

Conclusions

Preserving the spleen during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is not associated with a lower postoperative morbidity compared to sacrificing the spleen. Tumor size is a risk factor for unplanned splenectomy.

[Excision and tectonic covering of a vascular leiomyoma of the ciliary body with large anterior staphyloma using scleral patch graft]

Benign tumors of the ciliary body are rare and may potentially be confused with uveal melanoma in clinical routine. Clinical findings rarely allow for safe differentiation. Hence primary excisions are frequent. We report the case of a patient with a benign ciliary tumor, which was observed over a total of 13 years and eventually underwent a local tumor resection.

Small bowel angiomyxoma causing intussusception: Case report and review of the literature

•

Myxomas of the small bowel are very rare.

•

They usually present with mechanical small bowel obstruction caused by an intussusception.

•

They mainly occur in females in their forties.

•

Surgical resection is always indicated.

•

They are usually solitary and do not metastasize.

Introduction

Angiomyxoma-related intussusception in adults is extremely rare. Herein, we report an adult man who presented with mechanical small bowel obstruction caused by ileo-colic intussusception triggered by an angiomyxoma of the terminal ileum and review the literature on this topic.

Presentation of case

A-40-year-old man was referred to Al-Ain Hospital with a clinical picture of small bowel obstruction. He has no previous abdominal surgery. Clinical examination showed a distended soft abdomen, and hyperactive bowel sounds. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scan showed a doughnut sign confirming the presence of ileo-colic intussusception as the cause for small bowel obstruction. At laparotomy, a mass was found in the right iliac fossa. Right hemi colectomy was performed with ileo-colic anastomosis. An ileal pedunculated mass triggered the intussusception. Histopathology of the mass was diagnostic of an angiomyxoma of small bowel. Echocardiogram showed no atrial synchronous myxoma. The patient was discharged home with good general condition. At three years follow up, the patient remained asymptomatic without evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions

Myxoma of small bowel should be included in the differential diagnosis of small bowel obstruction in the young age group particularly if the diagnosis of intussusception was made preoperatively.

Teardrop sign

We have submitted an interesting image of teardrop sign on prostate MRI.

A Novel Approach to Combined Vaginal and Laparoscopic Gynecological Surgery

Background and Objectives

In this case series, we propose a novel approach to combined vaginal and laparoscopic surgery in which a posterior colpotomy and 2 5-mm abdominal incisions are used to perform benign gynecological procedures. We seek to assess the safety and feasibility of this technique in difficult surgical candidates such as those with obesity or prior laparotomies, as well as to detail intra- and postoperative complications associated with the procedure.

Methods

We collected demographic, clinical, intra-operative, and postoperative data on 45 women who underwent a combined vaginal and laparoscopic gynecological surgery for benign indications by a single surgeon between February 2013 and August 2017.

Results

From February 2013 through August 2017, 45 women underwent a combined vaginal and laparoscopic surgery at 2 institutions. Procedures included adnexal surgery (n = 32, 71%), and total hysterectomy (n = 13, 29%). Of patients who underwent adnexal surgery, two had minor postoperative complications. No patients had major complications. In addition, no patients had postoperative vaginal infections or pelvic abscesses, and there were no readmissions within 30 days after the procedures.

Conclusion

Our proposed combined vaginal and laparoscopic approach to benign gynecological surgery can be utilized in difficult surgical candidates including those with obesity, nulliparous patients, and those with prior abdominal surgery. Our data has shown that this approach is safe and effective.

Do benign-concordant breast MRI biopsy results require short interval follow-up imaging? Report of longitudinal study and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to examine the frequency and outcomes of short interval imaging follow up of benign, concordant breast MRI biopsies and review the published literature on this topic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was an IRB-approved, HIPAA compliant retrospective review of women undergoing MRI-guided breast biopsies between October 1, 2008 and December 31, 2014. Patients with malignant or high risk lesions with recommendation for excision, discordant cases, and those undergoing breast conservation therapy in same quadrant, chemotherapy or mastectomy were excluded. At least 2 years imaging and/or clinical follow-up without development of cancer in the same quadrant as the biopsy was set as the benchmark to confirm benign etiology. A PubMed search of similar articles through 2018 was also performed for the literature review.

RESULTS

943 consecutive MRI-guided biopsies were performed in 785 women. Of these, 378/943 (40.1%) were benign and met inclusion criteria. Eleven cases were recommended for and underwent repeat MRI-guided biopsy or excision, 2 of which were malignant. The overall false negative rate for benign concordant MRI-guided biopsy was 2/378, 0.5% (95% CI 0.02 to 2.0%). Literature search demonstrated five articles with similar methodologies yielding 628 additional cases of benign concordant breast biopsies. Nine of these cases were eventually diagnosed as malignancy with a false negative rate of 1.4%. Combined with our data, the overall false negative rate is 1.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Short interval follow-up exams for benign concordant MRI-guided breast biopsies may not be necessary given the low malignancy rate.

Dichelobacter nodosus in sheep, cattle, goats and South American camelids in Switzerland-Assessing prevalence in potential hosts in order to design targeted disease control measures

Footrot is a contagious foot disease caused by the bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus (D. nodosus) that affects sheep worldwide. Due to substantial economic and welfare impact, various countries have developed control programs against footrot. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the national prevalence of virulent and benign D. nodosus in Switzerland in the four domestic ruminant species sheep, cattle, goats and South American camelids (SAC) to detect potential host populations and to propose targeted disease control measures. Risk factors for infection with the virulent strain of D. nodosus, based on a survey carried out among farmers, were investigated on animal and herd level. Overall, 613 farms and 2920 animals were investigated during 2017-18 applying a two-stage cluster sampling strategy. A Real-Time PCR method for simultaneous detection of virulent and benign strains of D. nodosus was used for the first time in such a large study. On animal level, the true prevalence (TP) of virulent D. nodosus in sheep was estimated at 16.9% (95% confidence interval (CI₉₅%): 9.5-24.3%). In cattle and goats no virulent D. nodosus was detected and in SAC an apparent prevalence (AP) of 0.2% (CI₉₅%: 0.0-0.4%) was observed. On farm level, a TP of virulent D. nodosus of 16.2% (CI₉₅%: 8.4-25.2%) for sheep and an AP of 1.5% (CI₉₅%: 0.3-5.2%) for SAC herds was estimated. Since the Swiss control program only targets the virulent strains of D. nodosus, it was concluded that cattle, goats and SAC do not play a role in footrot epidemiology in Switzerland. Adult sheep were at higher risk of infection for virulent D. nodosus compared to lambs and yearlings. On herd level, risk factors for infection with virulent D. nodosus in sheep were earlier occurence of footrot, winter compared to summer and autumn, and goat contact on pasture. Liming pastures had a protective effect on D. nodosus infection. For benign D. nodosus, the TP in sheep was 6.3% (CI₉₅%: 1.6-11.0%) and in cattle 88.4% (CI₉₅%: 83.8-93.0%). The TP for benign D. nodosus in sheep farms was 2.8% (CI₉₅%: 0.0-10.5%) and in cattle farms 95.9% (CI₉₅%: 91.7-98.1%). In goat and SAC farms, the AP was 6.6% (CI₉₅%: 3.4-11.5%) and 7.4% (CI₉₅%: 3.8-13.1%), respectively. These findings could be relevant for wild ruminants such as Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex), which can develop clinical footrot after infection with benign D. nodosus. The findings of this study are crucial for assessing targeted disease control measures in Switzerland.

Chromosomal Microarray Analysis as a First-Tier Clinical Diagnostic Test in Patients With Developmental Delay/Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Multiple Congenital Anomalies: A Prospective Multicenter Study in Korea

Background

To validate the clinical application of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) as a first-tier clinical diagnostic test and to determine the impact of CMA results on patient clinical management, we conducted a multicenter prospective study in Korean patients diagnosed as having developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and multiple congenital anomalies (MCA).

Methods

We performed both CMA and G-banding cytogenetics as the first-tier tests in 617 patients. To determine whether the CMA results directly influenced treatment recommendations, the referring clinicians were asked to complete a 39-item questionnaire for each patient separately after receiving the CMA results.

Results

A total of 122 patients (19.8%) had abnormal CMA results, with either pathogenic variants (N=65) or variants of possible significance (VPS, N=57). Thirty-five well-known diseases were detected: 16p11.2 microdeletion syndrome was the most common, followed by Prader-Willi syndrome, 15q11-q13 duplication, Down syndrome, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Variants of unknown significance (VUS) were discovered in 51 patients (8.3%). VUS of genes putatively associated with developmental disorders were found in five patients: IMMP2L deletion, PTCH1 duplication, and ATRNL1 deletion. CMA results influenced clinical management, such as imaging studies, specialist referral, and laboratory testing in 71.4% of patients overall, and in 86.0%, 83.3%, 75.0%, and 67.3% of patients with VPS, pathogenic variants, VUS, and benign variants, respectively.

Conclusions

Clinical application of CMA as a first-tier test improves diagnostic yields and the quality of clinical management in patients with DD/ID, ASD, and MCA.

Pathologic discordance to clinical management decisions suggests overtreatment in pediatric benign breast disease

PURPOSE

Breast masses in pediatric patients are often managed similarly to adult breast masses despite significant differences in pathology and natural history. Emerging evidence suggests that clinical observation is safe. The purpose of this study was to quantify the clinical appropriateness of the management of benign breast disease in pediatric patients.

METHODS

A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study was completed between 1995 and 2017. Patients were included if they had benign breast disease and were 19 years old or younger. A timeline of all interventions (ultrasound, biopsy, or excision) was generated to quantify the number of patients who were observed for at least 90 days, deemed appropriate care. To quantify inappropriate care, the number of interventions performed within 90 days, and the pathologic concordance to clinical decisions was determined by reviewing the radiology reports of all ultrasounds and pathology reports of all biopsies and excisions.

RESULTS

A total of 1,909 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 16.4 years old (± 2.1). The majority of masses were fibroadenomas (60.4%). Only half of patients (54.3%) were observed for 90 or more days. 81.1% of interventions were unnecessary, with pathology revealing masses that would be safe to observe. The positive predictive value (PPV) of clinical decisions made based on suspicious ultrasound findings was 16.2%, not different than a PPV of 21.9% (p < 0.25) for decisions made on clinical suspicion alone.

CONCLUSION

Despite literature supporting an observation period for pediatric breast masses, half of patients had an intervention within three months with one out of ten patients undergoing an invasive procedure within this time frame. Furthermore, 81.1% of invasive interventions were unnecessary based on final pathologic findings. A formal consensus clinical guideline for the management of pediatric benign breast disease including a standardized clinical observation period is needed to decrease unnecessary procedures in pediatric patients with breast masses.

Schwannoma-Like Pleomorphic Adenoma: Two Cases and a Review of the Literature

Schwannoma-like pleomorphic adenoma is a rare variant of the common benign salivary neoplasm, pleomorphic adenoma. This entity's cytomorphology closely mimics a schwannoma, potentially making a diagnosis of cytologic preparations or of surgical specimens a challenge. To the best of our knowledge, there are only six previous reports of schwannoma-like pleomorphic adenoma with eight total cases in the English language literature prior to the addition of the two cases detailed in this report. Our report includes what we believe to be the first documented case of this entity occurring in the submandibular gland. One of our cases occurred in the submandibular gland of a 90-year-old woman and the other occurred in the left parotid gland of a 40-year-old woman. We also examine the diagnostic considerations used to differentiate these two entities.

Benign Acute Childhood Myositis: A Benign Disease that Mimics More Severe Neuromuscular Disorder

Context:

Proximal lower limb weakness presenting acutely with or without preceding fever is a strong mimic of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) forms an important differential diagnosis in such cases.

Aim:

To characterize the clinical and laboratory findings of patients with BACM for better understanding of the disease.

Settings and Design:

This prospective longitudinal study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of northern India.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-two patients presenting in the outpatient or emergency clinic of the hospital with severe myalgia that exacerbated with straight leg raising test and fever from July 2016 to July 2017 were included in the study.

Statistical Analysis:

All the continuous data were expressed as number and percentage or mean ± standard deviation/median. Non-parametric continuous data between groups were analyzed by Friedman’s test.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 14.3 (±8.7) years and they presented after a nonspecific febrile illness in most of the cases (53.1%). The symptoms resolved after a mean of 5.7 (±1.6) days. Myalgia was present in 21 (65%) cases, whereas proximal weakness was the prominent finding in 14 (43%) cases. Electrolyte abnormality (hypokalemia) was present in four (12.5%) cases. In all patients, the muscle enzymes (creatine phosphokinase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase) were elevated at presentation, and electromyography showed myopathic pattern. A significant recovery took place in the next 5–7 days.

Conclusion:

BACM should be actively looked for in cases of painful acute proximal limb weakness in the adolescents.

Benign osteoblastoma of the palate: a rare clinical presentation

Osteoblastoma is a rare, benign type of osteoblastic tumor. It constitutes approximately 1% of all primary bone tumors. Osteoblastoma most commonly affects the long bones; it very rarely affects the jaw bones. Because of its clinical and histological similarity with other bony tumors, such as osteoid osteoma and fibro-osseous lesions, osteoblastoma is a diagnostic challenge. Very few cases of osteoblastoma involving the maxillofacial region have been reported to date. We herein describe a 15-year-old female patient with osteoblastoma that presented as a palatal swelling of 6 months' duration.

Calcified or ossified benign soft tissue lesions that may simulate malignancy

The purpose of this article is to review calcified or ossified benign soft tissue lesions that may simulate malignancy. We review the clinical presentations, locations, imaging characteristics, and differential diagnostic considerations of myositis ossificans, tophaceous gout, benign vascular lesions, calcific tendinopathy with osseous involvement, periosteal chondroma, primary synovial chondromatosis, Hoffa's disease, tumoral calcinosis, lipoma with metaplasia, calcifying aponeurotic fibroma, calcific myonecrosis, ancient schwannoma, and Castleman disease.

A diagnostic dilema in benign lytic lesions of clavicle - our experience of 37 patients

INTRODUCTION

The studies on benign lytic lesion of clavicle are sparse. Asymptomatic nature of lesions, rare occurrence, the difficulty in interpretation of the X-rays because of the surrounding structures and striking similarities in various lesions further make the diagnosis of such atraumatic lytic lesions difficult.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prompted by the rarity of lesion and scarcity of data regarding presentation and management, we performed a prospective study of benign lytic lesions of clavicle. The results of the lesions are categorised in infective, metabolic and neoplastic conditions.

RESULTS

Infective lesions were most common cause of symptomatic painful benign lytic lesions. Metabolic lesions, like rickets, were the most common cause of painless swelling in clavicle. Neoplastic conditions although rare were an important differential.

CONCLUSION

It is important to differentiate and diagnose lytic lesions of clavicle. Early MRI and Biopsy of the lesion helps in preventing an undue delay in diagnosis. Most lesions when diagnosed in time have excellent results.

Cementoblastoma associated with the primary second molar: An unusual case report

Cementoblastoma is a rare benign odontogenic neoplasm of jaws mostly occurring in younger age group. Here, we present a case of swelling associated with deciduous second molar. Based on the clinical and radiographic features, a provisional diagnosis of cementoblastoma was made. The lesion was surgically removed along with the associated tooth and confirmed as cementoblastoma histopathologically. A 1-year follow-up showed no recurrence.

A case series of benign transient hyperphosphatasemia from a pediatric endocrinology reference health facility in Turkey

Introduction

Benign transient hyperphosphatasemia (BTH), even a known condition, is not very well managed by primary care physicians. The diagnostic criteria for BTH were alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels above 3-5 times greater than the age adjusted upper limit of normal among children under 5 years with no evidence of liver or bone disease whose ALP values resolved within 4 months.

Methods

This study involved 15 patients aged 0-5 years, who were referred to the pediatric endocrinology clinic for elevated ALP levels. They were diagnosed with BTH. We examined demographic and biochemical parameters including ALP and ALP isoenzymes, liver enzymes, calcium, phosphate, and parathormone (PTH) levels to rule out liver or bone disease as a cause for hyperphosphatasaemia.

Results

Of 15 patients 7 were male and 8 were female. Mean age was 2.45 ± 1.09 (range 1.2-4.6) years. Mean serum ALP level was 2315 ± 1028 IU/L (1102-4662), while liver enzymes, calcium, phosphate, PTH and vitamin D3 levels were in normal ranges. The mean normalization period of ALP was 2.4 ± 1.1 (0.5-4) months, and all were normal at the end of 4 months without any treatment.

Conclusion

This study and literature knowledge related to BTH has shown that being aware of BTH is very important for a primary care physician. Paediatricians can conveniently manage the differential diagnosis and follow up this period of elevated ALP.

Central Osteoma of Maxilla Associated with an Impacted Tooth: Report of a Rare Case with Literature Review

Osteomas are benign osteogenic neoplasms caused by proliferation of mature compact or cancellous bone. Clinically they may be classified as peripheral, central or extraskeletal. Osteomas usually involve the craniofacial region with mandible being the most common site. Central osteoma of the jaws is a very rare entity with only 13 cases reported in the literature till date of which only five cases occurred in the maxilla. Here we present a case of a large central osteoma of anterior maxilla associated with an impacted tooth, the first of its kind and a review of literature.

Dilemma of elevated CA 19-9 in biliary pathology

Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a tumor marker which has been extensively evaluated and widely utilized primarily in diagnosing and prognosticating pancreaticobiliary malignancies. Levels may be significantly influenced and elevated in cases of benign biliary conditions however, especially in obstructive jaundice, thereby posing difficulty in distinguishing between benign and malignant cholestasis. A myriad of studies have focused on elucidating proper use and interpretation of CA 19-9 in pancreatic cancer as well as in the setting of cholestasis. These studies have demonstrated that many factors influence CA 19-9 values and various methods for interpreting CA 19-9 in obstructive jaundice have been proposed. With improvements in diagnostic imaging, advancements in endoscopic modalities, and likelihood that management will not change based on the results of the test, clinicians should be cautious when ordering CA 19-9 and consider the reasons for measuring the tumor marker.

Evaluation of ADCratio on liver MRI diffusion to discriminate benign versus malignant solid liver lesions

PURPOSE

The aim of this project is to investigate the usefulness of the absolute liver lesion ADC value and ratio of Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of a liver lesion and liver parenchyma to discriminate between a benign and malignant lesion.

METHODS

Liver MRI scans performed between January 2009 and June 2015 were retrospectively analysed. Scans were performed on either a 1.5 T or 3 T MRI unit. The type of liver lesion (benign or malignant) was determined by its radiological appearance, histology result and clinical management. Lesions with undetermined diagnosis or MRI studies degraded by artifacts were excluded. Liver cysts were also excluded from the analysis. ADC value of a lesion and liver parenchyma was measured and ADC_ratio was calculated. The values were analysed using independent samples t-test Results:Data set contained 39 benign lesions and 36 malignant lesions. Mean ADC value for benign lesions was 1678, and the mean value for malignant lesions was 1097 with a statistically significant difference of p < 0.001. All lesions with ADC value below 955 were malignant, while all lesions with ADC value above 1880 were benign. ADC value of 1260 was identified as the best available cut-off value for differentiating benign and malignant lesions, achieving sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 80% and an overall accuracy of 89%. The mean lesion to liver ADC_ratio for benign lesions was 1.3467 and for malignant lesions was 0.9038 with a statistically significant difference of p < 0.001. All lesions with ADC_ratio measuring <0.9 were malignant while lesions with ADC_ratio>1.5 were benign. ADC_ratio of 1.1 was identified statistically as the best available cut-off value for differentiating benign from malignant lesions, with sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 86% and an overall accuracy of 92%.

CONCLUSION

Our dataset indicates that lesion to background liver ADC_ratio is superior in discriminating between benign and malignant focal lesions compared to absolute ADC values of the hepatic lesions.

Clear cell "sugar" tumor of the lung: a case report and review of the literature

Clear cell "sugar" tumor of the lung is a rare benign tumor that is often an incidental finding during histopathologic workup. It strikingly has a similar resemblance to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. Under the microscope, it is composed of thin cell walls and high levels of glycogen. Therefore, when diagnosed, it is important to rule out metastatic RCC. Here, in this case report, we present a case of clear cell "sugar" tumor of the lung and review the literature that has been published. Clear cell tumor of the lung needs to be studied more extensively as it can present with unique signs and symptoms. It has also occurred in the presence of systemic diseases. This has led researchers to theorize about its etiology which we discuss in this case report.

Idiopathic renal replacement lipomatosis: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Renal replacement lipomatosis is a rare benign renal disorder where the renal parenchyma is replaced by mature fatty tissue. It poses a diagnostic challenge to the clinicians due to an unusual presentation and clinical features. The disease usually presents in middle age with vague pain in the affected flank and variable urological symptoms. Although the condition is preceded by calculus disease or chronic inflammation, as an extremely rare occurrence, it can occur without any pre-existing condition, as in our case. Increasing awareness among the surgeons about the existence of such a condition will help the surgical fraternity to diagnose and manage such cases properly.

Advances in the management of craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma is a curable benign tumor, but owing to its intimate relationship to critical structures in the central brain—such as the optic apparatus, pituitary, hypothalamus, intracranial vasculature, brain stem, and temporal lobes—its management introduces the risk of long-term treatment morbidity. Today, the most common treatment approach is conservative subtotal resection followed by radiotherapy, and the goal is to limit long-term toxicity. Many recent advances in the treatment of craniopharyngioma are attributable to improved surgical techniques and radiotherapy technologies.

Routine and Advanced Diffusion Imaging Modules of the Salivary Glands

This article reviews the role of routine and advanced diffusion imaging modules of the salivary glands. Routine and advanced diffusion imaging modules have a role in differentiation of malignant from benign salivary gland tumors, characterization of some benign salivary gland tumors, and staging of salivary gland cancer. The role of advanced diffusion modules in patients with salivary gland cancer after surgery, radiation therapy, or radioiodine therapy is discussed. Advanced diffusion imaging modules can help in diagnosis and staging of Sjögren syndrome.