The Effect of Sugammadex on Time of Sciatic Block by Perineural Bupivacaine in Rats

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the effect of sugammadex on the motor, sensory and deep sensory block in the sciatic nerve created by bupivacaine in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

18 Sprague-Dawley adult male rats treated with unilateral sciatic nerve block by bupivacaine (0.2 ml) were randomly divided into three groups. Control group (Group C, n = 6, 1.5 mL saline) perineural sugammadex group (Group PNS, n = 6, 16 mg/kg) and intraperitoneal sugammadex group (Group IPS, n = 6, 16 mg/kg) Motor, sensory, and deep sensory functions were evaluated every 10 minutes by a blind researcher. 6 tissue samples each belonging to the sciatic nerve, 1.5 cm in length and 0.2 cm in diameter, were taken from paraffin blocks. Sections of 3-4 micrometers were stained with Hematoxylin + Eosin, Masson Trichrome dyes and examined under a light microscope.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between 3 groups in terms of the time to return to normal motor, sensory and deep sensory function. There was also no significant difference in edema, extracellular matrix, and myelin. Inflammatory cells were seen in all groups, mainly epineurium, epineurium, and perineurium.

CONCLUSION

There are findings of no histological effects or effects on local block of sugammadex in rats undergoing sciatic nerve block.

Correlation of Caveolin-1 Expression with Prognosis in Patients with Gastric Cancer after Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Upregulation of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression is correlated with histopathological grade and poor prognosis in several human cancers. However, in gastric cancer, its clinical utility as a useful prognostic molecular marker remains unclear.

METHODS

The prognostic importance of Cav-1 expression was retrospectively analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 148 patients with gastric cancer who had undergone radical gastrectomy.

RESULTS

Cav-1 expression was positive in 23 (15.5%) patients and negative in 125 (84.5%) patients. Tumor location, tumor grade, lymph node involvement, pT stage, pTNM stage, and the presence of recurrence were found to be significantly associated with Cav-1 expression. The median disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with negative Cav-1 expression was significantly better than that of patients with positive Cav-1 expression (not reached vs. 10.2 months, p < 0.001). Moreover, patients with positive Cav-1 expression had a worse median overall survival (OS) compared to patients with negative Cav-1 expression (14.2 vs. 40.3 months, p = 0.004). In the multivariate analysis, Cav-1 expression (positive vs. negative) was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (p < 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) 2.58) and OS (p = 0.031, HR 1.87), as was lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that positive Cav-1 expression is associated with progression and poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients after radical gastrectomy. Targeting Cav-1 would be a potential option for future gastric cancer treatment.

Evaluation of c-kit (CD 117) expression as a prognostic factor in testicular germ cell tumors: An Izmir Oncology Group (IZOG) study

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Background: Little progress has been made in the management of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). c-kit (CD 117) is a good target for cancer treatment and possesses an impressive role in the current oncological practice. We aimed to evaluate c-kit expression in early stage TGCTs as a prognostic factor. Methods: Patients with TGCTs who were referred to the Medical Oncology Clinic were included in our study before starting chemotherapy. Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed and paraffinembedded three-micrometer thick sections with CD 117 Rabbit Anti c-kit in vitro gene kit. Biochemically, we utilized AFP and β-HCG Immunlite 2000 device with solid phase chemiluminescent immunometric method, and LDH Roche models with the DP-standardized UV method. AFP 0-15 ng/ml, β-HCG < 0.1 mlu/ml and LDH 240-480 mg/dl were considered as normal values. Results: Sixty-five patients were included in our study. Forty-one (63%) patients had nonseminoma tumors (NSGCTs) and 24 (37%) had seminoma. Statistically significant c-kit expression was found in patients with seminoma (p<0.0001). There was no difference between negative or positive c-kit expression in terms of clinicopathological characteristics, including preoperative serum levels of AFP, β-HCG, LDH, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, and IGCCCG risk classification. No correlation was found between these parameters and 5-year progression free survival (PFS) rate except for tumor stage, presence of lymph node metastasis and IGCCCG score (p=0.001, p=0.04, and p=0.0001, respectively). Five-year PFS rate of patients with positive CD 117 was 72.2% (95% CI, 54.6-89.8), and6.6% (95% CI, 31.2-82.1) for those without CD 117 expression involvement (p=0.12). Conclusions: So far, there has been no significant breakthrough in the treatment of cisplatinrefractory TGCTs in the era of targeted therapies. No prognostic importance of c-kit expression has been found in our study. However, we believe that c-kit expression, in numerical terms, can be considered as a good prognostic factor for patients with TGCTs. The fact that all seminoma cases displayed positive c-kit expression is what we think has driven this result.

Prognostic importance of RASSF2 expression in patients with gastric cancer who had undergone radical gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Although Ras-association domain family of gene 2 (RASSF2) has been shown to undergo promoter methylation at high frequency in some cancer types and in brain metastases, its clinical utility as a useful prognostic molecular marker remains unclear in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Prognostic significance of RASSF2 expression was retrospectively analysed by immunohistochemically in 105 patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy.

RESULTS

Low RASSF2 expression was detected in 58 (55 %) patients, whereas 47 patients (45 %) had high RASSF2 expression. Lymph node involvement, pT stage, TNM stage, vascular invasion, perineural invasion and the presence of recurrence were found to be significantly related to RASSF2 expression levels. Low PRL-3 expression was closely correlated with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.001), advanced pT stage (p = 0.021), advanced TNM stage (p < 0.001), the presence of vascular invasion (p < 0.001), perineural invasion (p = 0.018) and high prevalence of recurrence (p = 0.003) compared with high RASSF2 expression. The median disease-free survival (DFS) time for patients with low RASSF2 expression was significantly worse than that of patients with high RASSF2 expression (10.2 vs. 50.6 months, p < 0.001). In addition, patients with high RASSF2 expression had the higher overall survival (OS) interval compared to patients with low RASSF2 expression (NR vs. 14.9 months, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the rate of RASSF2 expression levels was an independent prognostic factor, for DFS [p < 0.001, HR 0.12 (0.10-0.88)] and OS [p < 0.001, HR 0.10 (0.04-0.46)], as were pT stage and TNM stage, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

RASSF2 may be an important molecular marker for carcinogenesis, prognosis and progression in gastric cancer, but the potential value of RASSF2 expression as a useful molecular marker in gastric cancer progression should be evaluated, comprehensively. It would be possible to develop treatments targeting RASSF2 and advance new treatment strategies for gastric cancer.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in diagnosing intrathoracic tuberculous lymphadenitis

AIMS

Patients with suspected tuberculosis without pulmonary lesions and with intrathoracic lymphadenopathy often pose a diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to describe the diagnostic utility of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in patients with isoleted intrathoracic lymphadenopathy due to tuberculosis (TB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cases with tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLA) as the final diagnosis were analysed among patients in whom EBUS-TBNA had been performed. All patients underwent routine clinical assessment and a CT scan prior to EBUS-TBNA. Demographic data, pathological findings, and microbiological results were recorded. All patients received 6-month antituberculous treatment, followed-up regularly and recovered both on clinical and radiological basis.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were included. EBUS-TBNA diagnosed TB intrathoracic lympadenopathy in 42 (95.4%) patients. In 2 patients, EBUS-TBNA was not able to confirm a diagnosis and additional procedures were required. Cytopathological findings alone revealed TB in 32 (72.7%) patients. One of the patients (2.2%) was smear positive while microbiological investigations provided a positive culture of TB in 22 (50%) patients. TB culture was positive in 10 of 12 patients in whom cytopathologic evaluation was not able to diagnose. Addition of mycobacterium culture to cytopathologic investigation s improved the diagnostic yield from 72.7% to 95.4%.

CONCLUSION

EBUS-TBNA is a safe and effective first line investigation for evaluating isolated intrathoracic tuberculous lympadenopathy. Addition of mycobacterium culture to cytopathologic investigation improves the sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA.

Prevalence of K-Ras mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma: A Turkish Oncology Group pilot study

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common male-predominant type of cancer worldwide. There is no effective treatment regimen available for advanced-stage disease and chemotherapy is generally ineffective in these patients. The number of studies on the prevalence of K-Ras mutations in HCC patients is currently limited. A total of 58 patients from 6 comprehensive cancer centers in 4 metropolitan cities of Turkey were enrolled in this study. Each center committed to enroll approximately 10 random patients whose formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissues were available for K-Ras, exon 2 genotyping. Two methods were applied based on the availability of adequate amounts of tumor DNA. In the first method, the samples were processed using TheraScreen. The genomic DNA was further used to detect the 7 most frequent somatic mutations (35G>A; 35G>C; 35G>T; 34G>A; 34G>C; 34G>T and 38G>A) in codons 12 and 13 in exon 2 of the K-Ras oncogene by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the second method, the genomic DNA was amplified by PCR using primers specific for K-Ras exon 2 with the GML SeqFinder Sequencing System's KRAS kit. The identified DNA sequence alterations were confirmed by sequencing both DNA strands in two independent experiments with forward and reverse primers. A total of 40 samples had adequate tumor tissue for the mutation analysis. A total of 33 (82.5%) of the investigated samples harbored no mutations in exon 2. All the mutations were identified via a direct sequencing technique, whereas none were identified by TheraScreen. In conclusion, in our patients, HCC exhibited a remarkably low (<20%) K-Ras mutation rate. Patients harboring K-Ras wild-type tumors may be good candidates for treatment with epidermal growth factor inhibitors, such as cetuximab.

Evaluation of c-kit (CD 117) expression as a prognostic factor in testicular germ cell tumors: an Izmir Oncology Group (IZOG) study

PURPOSE

Despite the successful use of targeted and molecular therapies in other cancers, little progress has been made in the management of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). c-kit (CD 117) is a good target for cancer treatment and possesses an impressive role in the current oncological practice. We aimed to evaluate c-kit expression in early stage TGCTs as a prognostic factor.

METHODS

Patients with TGCTs who were referred to the Medical Oncology Clinic and underwent curative surgical operation were included in our study before starting chemo- therapy. Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded three-micrometer thick sections with CD 117 Rabbit Anti c-kit in vitro gene kit. Biochemically, we utilized AFP and β-HCG Immunlite 2000 device with solid phase chemiluminescent immunometric method, and LDH Roche models with the DP-standardized UV method. AFP 0-15 ng/ml, β-HCG < 0.1 mlu/ml and LDH 240-480 mg/dl were considered as normal values.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were included in our study. Forty-one (63%) patients had non-seminoma tumors (NSGCTs) and 24 (37%) had seminoma. Statistically significant c-kit expression was found in patients with seminoma (p<0.0001). There was no difference between negative or positive c-kit expression in terms of clinicopathological characteristics, including preoperative serum levels of AFP, β-HCG, LDH, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, and IGCCCG risk classification. No correlation was found between these parameters and 5-year progression free survival (PFS) rate except for tumor stage, presence of lymph node metastasis and IGCCCG score (p=0.001, p=0.04, and p=0.0001, respectively). Five-year PFS rate of patients with positive CD 117 was 72.2% (95% CI, 54.6-89.8), and 56.6% (95% CI, 31.2-82.1) for those without CD 117 expression involvement (p=0.12).

CONCLUSION

So far, there has been no significant breakthrough in the treatment of cisplatin-refractory TGCTs in the era of targeted therapies. No prognostic importance of c-kit expression has been found in our study. However, we believe that c-kit expression, in numerical terms, can be considered as a good prognostic factor for patients with TGCTs. The fact that all seminoma cases displayed positive c-kit expression is what we think has driven this result.

Prognostic significance of ADAM17 expression in patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy

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Background: Tumor invasion and metastasis are complex processes, involving regulation at the molecular level of adhesive molecules, proteolitic enzymes, and cell growth and angiogenesis factors. A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM)17 has been indicated to be indispensable regulator of celular event from proliferation to migration.Although prognostic importance of ADAM17 expression has been investigated in several tumors, its clinical utility as a useful prognostic molecular marker remains unclearin gastric cancer.In the present study, we evaluated the expression of ADAM17 and its prognostic significance in gastric cancer patients after surgery. Methods: Prognostic significance of ADAM17 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemically in 158 patients with gastric cancer and the relationship between its expression and clinicopathological factors was also evaluated. Results: High expression of ADAM17 was detected in 81 patients(51%),while low expression was found in 77 cases (49%). There was significant correlation between gender, histology, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, the presence of recurrence and high ADAM17 expression. Recurrence in patients with high ADAM17 expression was significantly higher than that for patients with low ADAM17 expression(p=0.032). The median disease-free survival (DFS) time for patients with high ADAM17 expressed tumors were worse than those of patients with low ADAM17 expressed tumor (16.6 vs. 44.2 months, p=0.004).In addition, patients with low ADAM17 expression had a higher median overall survival (OS)interval than those of high ADAM17 expressed patients (49.6 vs. 26.9 months, p=0.019). Multivariate analysis indicated that the rate of ADAM17 expression was an independent prognostic factor for DFS, in addition to known important clinicopathological prognostic indicator for DFS. But its' prognostic importance could not be proved by multivariate analysis for OS. Conclusions: The potential value of ADAM17 expression as a useful molecular marker in gastric cancer progression should be evaluated comprehensively,it may predict recurrence and poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer after curative resection.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in gastric adenocarcinoma: impact on lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis

Background

Lymphatic metastasis is the most important parameter in the spread of gastric carcinomas. Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule that plays an important role in inflammation and carcinogenesis. In this study, the possible link between inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression with lymphangiogenesis and the clinicopathological parameters of gastric carcinomas was investigated.

Methods

In this study, iNOS expression and D2-40 (lymphatic endothelium-specific marker monoclonal antibody) reactivity were examined immunohistochemically in 41 gastric adenocarcinoma and 20 non-neoplastic gastric tissues. iNOS expression was scored semiquantitatively in the tumor parenchyma and stroma. D2-40-positive lymphatic vessels were used in the determination of lymphatic invasion and intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vascular density.

Results

iNOS expression was higher in gastric carcinoma tissue compared with non-neoplastic tissue. Particularly, iNOS expression in tumor cells was found to be closely related to lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. The density of lymphatic invasion as well as intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vascular density were positively correlated with lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that iNOS-mediated NO formation plays an important role in gastric carcinogenesis, tumor lymphangiogenesis, and the development of lymphatic metastases. Inhibition of the NO pathway may be an alternative treatment of gastric carcinomas.

Virtual slides

The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1713572940104388.

Primary renal carcinoid: treatment and prognosis

Primary carcinoid tumors of the kidney are very rare, malignant tumors consisting of neuroendocrine cells. The pathogenesis of renal carcinoid is unclear because neuroendocrine cells are not normally found in adult renal parenchyma. Electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, octreotide scan, positron emission tomography along with conventional radiographic imaging techniques are used in diagnosis and follow-up. Presenting symptoms usually include flank pain and haematuria. Early stage disease is treated with surgery only. However, randomized trials are lacking because of the very low number of reported cases. Thus, the role of debulking surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, octreotide and targeted therapy in the management of advanced disease remains an open question. In this article the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of this very rare disease along with treatment outcomes of the reported cases are reviewed. In addition, we report a new case of a metastatic primary renal atypical carcinoid tumor treated with octreotide therapy.

The role of convex probe endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of malignant mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes

Background

In the diagnosis of malignant lymph nodes (LNs) and staging of lung cancer, sampling of mediastinal and hilar LNs is essential. Mediastinoscopy is known as the gold standard. Convex probe (CP) endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a noninvasive and highly sensitive diagnostic method in mediastinal and hilar LN sampling.

Objectives

Evaluating the role of CP-EBUS-guided TBNA in the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar LNs suspicious of malignancy.

Patients and Methods

One hundred twenty patients with a known lung malignancy or hilar/mediastinal LNs detected by thoracic computed tomography (CT) and/or positron emission tomography (PET)-CT suspicious for malignancy were included in this prospective study. The procedure was performed by Olympus 7.5 MHz CP endoscope and EU C2000 processor by the oral route under topical anesthesia and conscious sedation. After visualization of LNs, their dimensions were recorded. Aspiration was considered as “insufficient” if there were inadequate lymphocytes on the smears. Diagnosis of “malignancy” on cytologic examination was considered as the “final diagnosis”. If diagnosis was negative for malignancy, more invasive procedures were performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Results

Twenty four females and 96 male patients (mean age, 57.8 ± 9.1) were included. A total of 177 LN stations were aspirated in 120 patients. In 82 patients, the diagnosis was malignant by EBUS-guided TBNA and in the remaining 38; the diagnosis was established by further invasive procedures. Of the 38 EBUS-guided TBNA negative patients, 28 were diagnosed as non-malignant and 10 were malignant. The sensitivity, diagnostic accuracy and negative predictive value of CP EBUS-guided TBNA were 89.1%, 91.6% and 73.6%, respectively. No major complications were seen.

Conclusion

As an alternative method to mediastinoscopy, EBUS-guided TBNA is a safe and noninvasive procedure with high sensitivity in the diagnosis of malignant mediastinal LNs.

The role of insulin-like growth factor 1 in the development of benign and malignant thyroid nodules

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the role of IGF-1 in the development of nodular thyroid disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total number of 100 consecutive patients operated for nodular thyroid disease in our institution were included in this prospective study. In addition to classical pathological examinations, nodules and extranodular healthy tissues were sampled and immunochemically stained for IGF-1. The materials were independently evaluated using an Allred Scoring System ranging from 0 to 8. If the score was ≥1, the tissue was accepted as IGF-1 positive.

RESULTS

IGF-1 positivity was observed in 88% and 58% of the samples obtained from nodules and extranodular healthy tissues, respectively. Allred 8-unit scores were higher in benign nodules (n=89; 4.1±2.3) and papillary carcinomas (n=7; 6.7±1.3), than in extranodular healthy tissues in the same patients (2.3±2.3 and 3.3±1.9, respectively); and higher in papillary carcinomas than in benign nodules, when the scores were compared to each other (p<0.01 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

Allred 8-unit scores for IGF-1 increase in the presence of benign thyroid nodules, papillary cancer. The results of our study support the findings of previous studies demonstrating the role of IGF-1 in the development of thyroidal nodules.

The prognostic value of detecting symptomatic or asymptomatic recurrence in patients with gastric cancer after a curative gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Although studies have investigated whether a routine follow-up should be performed after a gastrectomy, no consensus has been reached on the significance of the follow-up or the optimal surveillance protocol. In the present study, we evaluated the significance of the presence or absence of symptoms in the detection of recurrences after curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 173 patients with recurrent gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomy. We evaluated the prognostic significance of the presence of cancer-related symptoms at the diagnosis of recurrence, and the relationship between the presence of symptoms and other clinicopathological factors.

RESULTS

We detected a symptomatic recurrence in 42.2% of patients. The presence of symptoms were significantly correlated with tumor size, pT stage, pN stage, pathologic stage, and short disease-free interval (<12 mo). The median disease-free survival (DFS), post-recurrence survival (PRS), and overall survival (OS) times for patients with asymptomatic recurrence were significantly longer than those of patients with symptomatic recurrence (disease-free survival was corrected as DFS, 11.1 versus 9.3 mo, P < 0.001; PRS, 4.9 versus 3.1 mo, P = 0.02; OS, 18.3 versus 12.3 mo, P = 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of cancer-related symptoms (P = 0.033; hazard ratio [HR], 0.81) was an independent prognostic factor for PRS, as were short disease-free intervals (P < 0.001; HR, 2.42), age (P = 0.02; HR, 1.53), and the presence of chemotherapy in recurrence (P = 0.001; HR, 0.49). In addition, multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of symptoms, short disease-free interval, and age were also independent prognostic indicators for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that symptomatic recurrence is an important prognostic factor for PRS of patients with gastric cancer after a curative gastrectomy. The presence of symptomatic recurrence may be a new and beneficial prognostic marker to evaluate biologic aggressiveness, which is an important determinant of survival at the time of recurrence diagnosis during a follow-up for gastric cancer.

Sensitivity of convex probe endobronchial sonographically guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of granulomatous mediastinal lymphadenitis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sensitivity and diagnostic value of convex probe endobronchial sonographically guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the diagnosis of granulomatous mediastinal lymphadenitis.

METHODS

Patients clinically and radiologically suspected to have granulomatous mediastinal disease and followed in our clinic between October 2008 and July 2010 were included. Convex probe EBUS with local anesthesia and under conscious sedation and EBUS-TBNA from hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes were performed after physical examination, chest radiography, computed tomography of the thorax, and routine biochemical analysis. Detection of noncaseating/caseating granulomas was accepted as sufficient for diagnosis of sarcoidosis/tuberculosis in the presence of clinical and radiologic findings. For patients whose EBUS-TBNA results were nondiagnostic, a definitive diagnosis was reached by invasive procedures. The sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of granulomatous lymphadenitis and diagnostic accuracy in granulomatous hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathies was calculated.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients were included in study (20 male and 52 female; mean age ± SD, 46.22 ± 13.94 years). In 72 cases, 121 lymph node aspirations were performed. The average lymph node short axis was 1.96 cm. With EBUS-TBNA among the 72 cases, 35 were diagnosed as sarcoidosis and 16 as tuberculous lymphadenitis. A definitive diagnosis could not be reached with EBUS-TBNA in 21 cases. As a result, 9 of these EBUS-TBNA-negative cases were diagnosed as reactive lymphadenitis, 9 as sarcoidosis, and 3 as tuberculosis by invasive procedures. The sensitivity values of EBUS-TBNA for diagnosis of sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and granulomatous diseases were 79.5%, 84.2%, and 80.9%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA for granulomatous diseases was 83.3%. No major complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

In the diagnosis of granulomatous lymphadenitis, EBUS-TBNA, with high sensitivity and a minimum complication rate, is an alternative to mediastinoscopy.

Is subdivision of pT2 tumors superior to lymph node metastasis for predicting survival of patients with gastric cancer? Review of 224 patients from four centers

BACKGROUND

The prognostic significance of the subclassification of pT2 tumors and the association of these categories with other clinicopathological factors in gastric cancer patients were investigated.

METHODS

A total of 224 patients with pT2 gastric cancer who had undergone curative gastrectomy and lymph node dissection were retrospectively analyzed. The prognostic role of the subclassification of pT2 tumors was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of 224 patients, 75 (33.5%) were classified as having pT2a tumors and 149 (66.5%) as having pT2b tumors. The prevalence of large-sized tumors (P < 0.003), lymph node involvement (P < 0.018), and lymphatic (P = 0.016), blood vessel (P = 0.001), and perineural invasion (P = 0.001) was significantly higher for pT2b tumors than for pT2a tumors. The rate of recurrence for pT2a cancers was significantly lower than that for pT2b cancers (P = 0.001).Median overall survival (OS) times and three-year OS of patients with a pT2b tumor were significantly worse than for patients with a pT2a tumor (P < 0.001).When patients were analyzed according to lymph node involvement, the prognosis of patients with pT2aN(1) cancers was significantly better than that of patients with pT2bN(1) (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the pT2 subdivision was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.006), as were pN stage, clinical stage, and recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that subclassification of pT2 tumors into pT2a or pT2b was an important prognostic indicator for patients with pT2 gastric cancers who underwent curative gastrectomy. In the TNM staging system, subdivision of pT2 tumors should be undertaken routinely to detect gastric cancer patients who have a poor prognosis and to define patients more accurately in terms of their mortality after curative resection in accordance with the new 2010 AJCC TNM staging classification. This may also help as a guide to more appropriate therapy for tumors with subserosal invasion (old pT2b or new pT3).

Paediatric ganglioglioma of the conus medullaris

Gangliogliomas of the conus medullaris are very rare, with only 12 patients reported so far. We report a 6-year-old male who presented with a painless numbness of the left lower limb and with bladder dysfunction. MRI revealed an intramedullary lesion at the T11-T12 vertebral levels. The tumour was subtotally removed. Histopathological examination demonstrated ganglioglioma.

Alterations of NIS expression in functioning thyroid nodules

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to analyze both the level and the cell site of the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) protein expression in autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) and extranodular thyroid tissues. In addition, this study sought to compare the clinical results of patients with the levels of human NIS (hNIS) protein expression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The histological slides consisted of 36 AFTNs and 31 extranodular thyroid tissues from 28 patients (5 males, 23 females; mean age 54.5±11.0 years; range 37 to 72 years) who underwent surgery for toxic multinodular goitre. The expression of NIS protein was investigated by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded tissue sections using anti-hNIS monoclonal antibody by the labeled streptavidin-biotin method.

RESULTS

The percentage of hNIS positive follicular cells was significantly higher in the AFTNs (13.33±12.09) than in the extranodular thyroid tissues (1.35±3.03). Staining for hNIS was mostly confined to the cell membrane in the AFTNs (88.9%) and in the extranodular thyroid tissues (54.5%). The clinical parameters and nodule volume did not establish any correlation with hNIS immunoreactivity.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that functioning nodules express higher amounts of NIS protein than the extranodular thyroid tissue, but the level of hNIS immunoreactivity was lower than had been reported in the previous literature. This result may be due to interindividual variability between different populations, and iodine status. Furthermore, the localization of the NIS protein might not give an indication of its functional status.

Prognostic significance of perineural invasion in patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative resection

BACKGROUND

The prognostic significance of perineural invasion (PNI) in gastric cancer has been previously investigated in a few studies, but had not reached a consensus. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of PNI in patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative resection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 238 patients who had undergone curative gastrectomy. Paraffin sections of surgical specimens from all patients were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. PNI was defined when carcinoma cells infiltrated into the perineurium or neural fascicles. PNI and the other prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

PNI was detected as positive in 180 of the 238 patients (75.6%). pT stage, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, tumor differentiation, Borrmann classification, histological type, lymphatic vessel invasion, and blood vessel invasion were closely associated with the presence of PNI. The PNI-positive tumors had significantly larger size and more lymph node metastasis than the PNI-negative tumors (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). The median survival of the PNI-positive patients was significantly worse than that of the PNI-negative patients (28.1 vs. 64.9 months, P = .001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the positivity of PNI was an independent prognostic factor (P = .02, hazard ratio [HR]: 2.75; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]:1.12-3.13) as were classical clinicopathological features.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that the frequency of PNI was high in patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy and the proportion of PNI positivity increased with progression and clinical stage of disease. PNI may be useful in detecting patients who had poor prognosis after curative resection in gastric cancer.

Acute abdomen due to rupture of hemangiopericytoma of the greater omentum: case report

Hemangiopericytoma (HP) is a vascular tumor that mostly develops in soft tissues. The greater omentum is a very rare site for its occurrence. We present herein the clinical evaluation and outcome of a very rare case of HP that caused acute abdomen. We evaluated a case of acute abdomen due to rupture of a HP of the greater omentum. The clinical and laboratory findings and treatment modality are reported. A 70-year-old patient with severe abdominal pain was operated with the diagnosis of acute abdomen. A semi-solid mass (12 x 10 x 6 cm) originating from the greater omentum was detected during surgery. There was active bleeding from the tumor. Pathologic evaluation of this lesion was reported as benign HP. HP of the greater omentum can be the cause of intraabdominal bleeding leading to acute abdomen. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice, especially in benign hemangiopericytomas.

A new silent germline mutation of the TSH receptor: coexpression in a hyperthyroid family member with a second activating somatic mutation

BACKGROUND

Up to date, three thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) germline variants have been reported for which no functional consequences have been detected by in vitro characterizations. However, familial nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism and hot nodules are clearly associated with constitutively activating TSHR germline mutations. We describe a family with a new TSHR germline mutation that is associated with euthyroidism in 13 family members and hyperthyroidism in 1 family member.

METHODS

Mutation analysis of the TSHR gene was performed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. TSHR constructs were characterized by determination of cell surface expression, 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation, and constitutive cAMP activity.

RESULTS

A novel TSHR germline mutation (N372T) was found in a man who presented with thyrotoxicosis. The mutation was also detected in 13 family members, all of whom were euthyroid. Interestingly, an additional constitutively active somatic mutation (S281N) was identified on the second parental TSHR allele of the hyperthyroid index patient. Linear regression analysis showed a lack of constitutive activity for N372T. Moreover, coexpression studies of N372T with S281N did not reveal any evidence for a functional influence of N372T on the constitutively active mutation (CAM).

CONCLUSIONS

N372T is unlikely to cause altered thyroid function. This is consistent with the finding that only the index patient with the additional somatic mutation S281N was hyperthyroid.

Similar prevalence of somatic TSH receptor and Gsalpha mutations in toxic thyroid nodules in geographical regions with different iodine supply in Turkey

OBJECTIVE

Differences in iodine intake could account for the variable prevalences reported for somatic TSH receptor (TSHR) mutations in toxic thyroid nodules (TTNs). However, this question has not been settled, since no study has yet determined the TSHR mutation prevalence in regions with different iodine supplies in the same population using the same methodology. Therefore, we studied the prevalence of somatic TSHR mutations in TTNs from patients living in iodine-deficient or -sufficient regions in Turkey.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We screened 74 TTNs for somatic TSHR mutations. Exons 9 and 10 of the TSHR and 7 and 8 of the Gsalpha were screened by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Determination of X-chromosome inactivation was used for clonality analysis.

RESULTS

TSHR mutations were identified in 52 (70.2%) of 74 TTNs. A Gsalpha mutation was identified in one TTN. Three new TSHR mutations were detected (A627V, I640K, I486N). No significant difference between frequencies of TSHR mutations in iodine deficient/sufficient regions was found. The frequency of non-random X-chromosome inactivation was similar in iodine-sufficient or -deficient regions and in TSHR mutation positive or negative hot nodules.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that TTNs in iodine deficient/sufficient areas predominantly arise from aberrant growth of a single cell. Our results suggest that neither the prevalence of TSHR mutations nor that of monoclonal TTNs is related to iodine supply.

Endoscopic scoring of late gastrointestinal mucosal damage after adjuvant radiochemotherapy

AIM: To evaluate late effects of chemoradiation on gastrointestinal mucosa with an endoscopic scoring system and compare it to a clinical scoring system.

METHODS: Twenty-four patients going to receive chemoradiation after gastric surgery underwent endoscopy four wk after surgery and one year after the chemoradiation finished. Upper gastrointestinal findings were recorded according to a system proposed by World Organisation for Digestive Endoscopy (OMED) and clinical scoring was done with RTOG-EORTC radiation morbidity scoring systems.

RESULTS: There was no significant endoscopic difference in gastric and intestinal mucosa after chemoradiation (P > 0.05) and there was no association between endoscopic scores and clinical scores. Endoscopic changes were minimal.

CONCLUSION: Late effects after chemoradiation in operated patients with gastric cancers can be evaluated with an endoscopic scoring system objectively and this system is superior to clinical scoring systems.

Malignant non-teratoid medulloepithelioma with submandibular metastases

Medulloepithelioma is a tumor of the primitive medullary epithelium overlying the ciliary body. Most become evident early in life, and they may be malignant, although distant metastases are rare. The purpose of this report is to describe a malignant nonteratoid neoplasm and its metastasis to the submandibular lymph nodes and to introduce this uncommon neoplasm with otolaryngologists.

Abscess of the cavum septum pellucidum

A 14-year-old girl presented with symptoms and signs of left otomastoiditis and meningitis. CT and MRI revealed a largely expanded cavum septum pellucidum with enhancing walls and findings suggesting left otomastoiditis and meningitis. At surgery, an abscess was found within the cavum septum pellucidum. Five similar cases have been reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first case associated with otomastoiditis. Although rare, abscess of the cavum septum pellucidum should be suspected in patients with meningitis and/or head trauma and delayed clinical deterioration.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus affects eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori

AIM: To study the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in a group of type 2 diabetes and compared it with an age and sex matched non-diabetic group.

METHODS: 40 diabetic patients (21 females, 19 males; 56 ± 7 years) and 40 non-diabetic dyspeptic patients (20 females, 20 males; 54 ± 9 years) were evaluated. Diabetic patients with dyspeptic complaints were referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopies; 2 corpus and 2 antral gastric biopsy specimens were performed on each patient. Patients with positive Hp results on histopathological examination comprised the study group. Non-diabetic dyspeptic patients seen at the Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic and with the same biopsy and treatment protocol formed the control group. A triple therapy with amoxycillin (1 g b.i.d), clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d) and omeprazole (20 mg b.i.d.) was given to both groups for 10 days. Cure was defined as the absence of Hp infection assessed by corpus and antrum biopsies in control upper gastrointestinal endoscopies performed 6 weeks after completing the antimicrobial therapy.

RESULTS: The eradication rate was 50% in the diabetic group versus 85% in the non-diabetic control group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Type 2 diabetic patients showed a significantly lower eradication rate than controls which may be due to changes in microvasculature of the stomach and to frequent antibiotic usage because of recurrent bacterial infections with the development of resistant strains.

Granulomatous gastritis due to taeniasis

Taeniasis is very common all over the world and invades the upper small bowel in humans. It is very unusual to see this parasite in the stomach. We report a case of gastric taeniasis that led to granulomatous gastritis. The elimination of the parasite resulted in complete disappearance of the granulomas in the corpus and antrum and in complete recovery of the patient.

The effect of iatrogenic vas deferens injury on fertility in an experimental rat model

The long-term result of accidental crushing of the vas deferens during inguinal surgery is unpredictable. It is stated that even a slight disturbance in the muscular layer or mucosa may endanger fertility. This study was designed to investigate the early and late histopathologic changes of iatrogenic injury on the vas and its effect on fertility in a rat model. Both vasa deferentia of 54 male rats, divided into three groups (n = 18 each), were subjected to an operative manipulation. These manipulations consisted of digital compression for 45 seconds in group A, grasping with a mosquito clamp for 2 seconds in group B, and grasping with a mosquito clamp for 2 minutes in group C. In five rats from each group, the vasa were removed on the third and 21st postoperative day for histological evaluation. The remaining 13 rats in each group were allowed to mate for a period of 4 months. Bilateral vasa were analyzed for patency and histology. A spermatic granuloma was observed in 79% of the fertile and 80% of the infertile rats. Statistical analysis showed no significant fertility difference among the three groups. There was no statistical difference between groups B and C (P > .05) in terms of high and low flow patency rates in vitro, whereas a statistical significance was present between these two groups and group A (P< .001). It can be said that type rather than time of injury is important in this experimental model, because the results of the patency test alone are sufficient to prove the possibility of functional damage in vas deferens. The authors conclude that inguinal contents should be handled carefully and contralateral exploration in asymptomatic cases older than 1 year with inguinal pathology should be avoided.