scholarly journals A potential prognostic marker in primitive lung neuroendocrine tumor: A case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 102-106
Author(s):  
Luigi Russo ◽  
Bruna Grilli ◽  
Anita Minopoli ◽  
Monica Capozzi ◽  
Salvatore Tafuto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Marker ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Efficiency ◽  
Initial Symptoms ◽  
Early Increase ◽  
Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid ◽  
Well Differentiated ◽  
Total Body ◽  
Lung Neuroendocrine Tumor

Background: The diagnosis and monitoring of primitive lung neuroendocrine tumors (lung pNETs) are usually performed by the measurement of serum chromogranin A (CgA) and urinary 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels. However, imaging techniques are necessary due to the poor diagnostic efficiency of the laboratory tests. Methods: A total-body computed tomography and bone scintigraphy scans showed multiple hepatic and bone metastases of a 55-year-old man affected by well-differentiated lung pNETs without severe initial symptoms. After diagnosis, he started therapy and was monitored with serum, urinary markers, and imaging techniques. Results: During follow-up, the urinary 5-HIAA levels did not significantly increase, while serum CgA and urinary para-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (pHPAA) levels (urinary organic acid physiologically present in the urines of healthy subjects) showed significant increases related to worsening clinical condition. Conclusions: The early increase in urinary pHPAA levels—usually not dosed in pNET patient monitoring—could be a promising prognostic marker.

Transarterial embolization of peripheral arteriovenous malformations with ethylenevinyl alcohol copolymer - feasibility, technical outcomes, and clinical outcomes

VASA ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 497-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom De Beule ◽  
Jan Vranckx ◽  
Peter Verhamme ◽  
Veerle Labarque ◽  
Marie-Anne Morren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Transarterial Embolization ◽  
Recurrent Bleeding ◽  
Complete Disappearance ◽  
Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol ◽  
Initial Symptoms

Abstract. Background: The technical and clinical outcomes of catheter-directed embolization for peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) using Onyx® (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the safety, technical outcomes and clinical outcomes of catheter-directed Onyx® embolisation for the treatment of symptomatic peripheral AVMs. Patients and methods: Demographics, (pre-)interventional clinical and radiological data were assessed. Follow-up was based on hospital medical records and telephone calls to the patients’ general practitioners. Radiological success was defined as complete angiographic eradication of the peripheral AVM nidus. Clinical success was defined as major clinical improvement or complete disappearance of the initial symptoms. Results: 25 procedures were performed in 22 patients. The principal indications for treatment were pain (n = 10), limb swelling (n = 6), recurrent bleeding (n = 2), tinnitus (n = 3), and exertional dyspnoea (n = 1). Complete radiological success was obtained in eight patients (36 %); near-complete eradication of the nidus was achieved in the remaining 14 patients. Adjunctive embolic agents were used in nine patients (41 %). Clinical success was observed in 18 patients (82%). Major complications were reported in two patients (9 %). During follow-up, seven patients (32 %) presented with symptom recurrence, which required additional therapy in three patients. Conclusions: Catheter-directed embolisation of peripheral AVMs with Onyx® resulted in major clinical improvement or complete disappearance of symptoms in the vast majority of patients, although complete angiographic exclusion of the AVMs occurred in only a minority of patients.

Social determinants of health affecting treatment of pediatric brain tumors

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-165
Author(s):  
Jillian M. Berkman ◽  
Jonathan Dallas ◽  
Jaims Lim ◽  
Ritwik Bhatia ◽  
Amber Gaulden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Health Disparities ◽  
Brain Tumors ◽  
Social Determinants Of Health ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Determinants Of Health ◽  
Cns Tumor ◽  
Initial Symptoms ◽  
Caucasian Patients

OBJECTIVELittle is understood about the role that health disparities play in the treatment and management of brain tumors in children. The purpose of this study was to determine if health disparities impact the timing of initial and follow-up care of patients, as well as overall survival.METHODSThe authors conducted a retrospective study of pediatric patients (< 18 years of age) previously diagnosed with, and initially treated for, a primary CNS tumor between 2005 and 2012 at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Primary outcomes included time from symptom presentation to initial neurosurgery consultation and percentage of missed follow-up visits for ancillary or core services (defined as no-show visits). Core services were defined as healthcare interactions directly involved with CNS tumor management, whereas ancillary services were appointments that might be related to overall care of the patient but not directly focused on treatment of the tumor. Statistical analysis included Pearson’s chi-square test, nonparametric univariable tests, and multivariable linear regression. Statistical significance was set a priori at p < 0.05.RESULTSThe analysis included 198 patients. The median time from symptom onset to initial presentation was 30.0 days. A mean of 7.45% of all core visits were missed. When comparing African American and Caucasian patients, there was no significant difference in age at diagnosis, timing of initial symptoms, or tumor grade. African American patients missed significantly more core visits than Caucasian patients (p = 0.007); this became even more significant when controlling for other factors in the multivariable analysis (p < 0.001). African American patients were more likely to have public insurance, while Caucasian patients were more likely to have private insurance (p = 0.025). When evaluating survival, no health disparities were identified.CONCLUSIONSNo significant health disparities were identified when evaluating the timing of presentation and survival. A racial disparity was noted when evaluating missed follow-up visits. Future work should focus on identifying reasons for differences and whether social determinants of health affect other aspects of treatment.

Arterite de Takayasu em Gestante: Relato de Caso / Takayasu Arteritis in Pregnancy: Case Report

1970 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 61-66
Author(s):  
Patrícia Resende Penido ◽  
Rhanna Junqueira Westin de Carvalho ◽  
Roger Willian Moraes Mendes
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Takayasu Arteritis ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Unknown Origin ◽  
Pregnant Patient ◽  
Immunosuppressive Drugs ◽  
Clinical Treatment ◽  
Satisfactory Outcome

RESUMOIntrodução: A Arterite de Takayasu (AT) consiste em uma vasculopatia de origem indefinida, sendo de caráter crônico, que afeta a aorta e seus ramos principais. Em gestantes é uma condição complexa, em que o tratamento clínico é realizado com restrições. A utilização de corticoides tem sido favorável no controle inflamatório, principalmente naqueles casos em que antes da gravidez se fazia uso de imunossupressores. Casuística: Foi relatado um caso de uma gestante portadora de AT, através da análise de prontuário e de exames complementares, sendo realizado o pré-natal pelas equipes de Obstetrícia e Reumatologia, onde foi realizado tratamento clínico com corticoides, mostrando uma evolução satisfatória, ocorrendo apenas uma hospitalização que foi seguida de uma cesárea na trigésima sexta semana de gravidez, com recém nato saudável de 3.810g. Discussão: A AT pode estar associada a várias etiologias, sendo a gênese pouco conhecida. O diagnóstico na maioria das vezes é demorado, pela dificuldade da suspeita clínica, além de demandar o uso de técnicas de imagem mais sofisticadas. A gestação associada é fenômeno raro, já que as portadoras são orientadas a evitarem a gravidez. O controle clínico permitiu uma gestação sem grandes complicações e serviu como meio para levar a gestação até praticamente o fim do terceiro trimestre. Conclusão: Deve-se ressaltar o papel do acompanhamento clínico, especialmente com esta pan-arterite, mostrando os medicamentos que podem ser utilizados nesse grupo, especialmente quando se usava imunossupressores antes da gravidez. Palavras chave: Arterite de Takayasu, Gravidez, Vasculite. ABSTRACT:Introduction: Takayasu's arteritis (TA) consists of a vascular disease of unknown origin and chronic nature, which affects the aorta and its main branches. In pregnant women it is a complex condition, in which the clinical treatment is performed with restrictions. The use of corticosteroids has been favorable to control inflammation, especially in those cases when immunosuppressant had been used before pregnancy. Case Report: A case of a pregnant patient with TA has been reported through the analysis of medical records and laboratory tests. The Obstetrics and Rheumatology staff performed the prenatal care, and clinical treatment with corticosteroids was done showing a satisfactory outcome. There was only one hospitalization of the patient, which was followed by a cesarean in the thirty sixth week of pregnancy.  The newborn was a healthy one, weighing 3.810g. Discussion: TA may be associated with several etiologies, and the genesis is little known. The diagnosis most often takes time due to the difficulty of clinical suspicion, and requires the use of more sophisticated imaging techniques. The pregnancy is rare phenomenon, since the carriers are advised to avoid pregnancy. The clinical management allowed a pregnancy without major complications and served as a means to carry the pregnancy to almost the end of the third quarter. Conclusion: The role of the clinical follow-up should be noticed especially with this pan-arteritis, showing the drugs that can be used in this group, especially when there is use of immunosuppressive drugs before pregnancy. Keywords: Takayasu Arteritis, Pregnancy, Vasculitis.

scholarly journals NCOG-42. INITIAL PRESENTATION AND OUTPATIENT VISIT COMPLIANCE OF INMATES WITH BRAIN TUMORS

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii138-ii138
Author(s):  
Iyad Alnahhas ◽  
Appaji Rayi ◽  
Yasmeen Rauf ◽  
Shirley Ong ◽  
Pierre Giglio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Tumors ◽  
Civil Liberties ◽  
Delayed Diagnosis ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Small Series ◽  
Initial Symptoms ◽  
The Ohio State University ◽  
American Civil Liberties Union ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

Abstract INTRODUCTION While advocacy for inmates with cancer has recently gained momentum, little is known about management of brain tumors in inmates. Delays in acknowledging or recognizing nonspecific initial symptoms can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Inmates with cancer are reported to either be ignored or receive substandard care due in part to cost or logistics (American Civil Liberties Union; ASCO Post 2018). METHODS In this retrospective study, we identified inmates with gliomas seen in the Ohio State University Neuro-oncology Center between 1/1/2010-4/20/2019. RESULTS Twelve patients were identified. Median age at presentation was 39.5 years (range 28-62). Eleven patients were Caucasian and one was African American. Diagnoses included glioblastoma (GBM) (n=6), anaplastic astrocytoma (n=1), anaplastic oligodendroglioma (n=1), low-grade astrocytoma (n=3) and anaplastic pleomorphic xanthroastrocytoma (n=1). Patients were more likely to present early after seizures or focal neurologic deficits (9/12) than after headaches alone. Patients with GBM started RT 12-71 days after surgery (median 34.5). One patient’s post-RT MRI was delayed by a month and another with GBM had treatment held after 4 cycles of adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) due to “incarceration issues”. For one patient who received adjuvant TMZ, the facility failed to communicate with the primary team throughout treatment. Two patients suffered significant nausea while on chemotherapy due to inability to obtain ondansetron in prison, or due to wrong timing. 7/12 (58%) patients were lost to follow-up for periods of 3-15 months during treatment. Three patients refused adjuvant treatment. CONCLUSIONS Although this is a small series, our results highlight the inequities and challenges faced by inmates with gliomas who are more likely to forego treatments or whose incarceration prevents them from keeping appropriate treatment and follow-up schedules. Additional studies are needed to define and address these deficiencies in the care of inmates with brain tumors and other cancers.

scholarly journals Plasma natriuretic peptide level is an independent determinant of major clinical outcomes in atrial fibrillation patients without heart failure: the Fushimi AF Registry

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Hamatani ◽  
M Iguchi ◽  
Y Aono ◽  
K Ishigami ◽  
S Ikeda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Prognostic Marker ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Systemic Embolism ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of death, stroke/systemic embolism and heart failure (HF). Plasma natriuretic peptide (NP) level is an important prognostic marker in HF patients. However, little is known regarding the prognostic significance of plasma NP level in AF patients without HF. Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between plasma NP level and clinical outcomes such as all-cause death, stroke/systemic embolism and HF hospitalization during follow-up period in AF patients without HF. Methods The Fushimi AF Registry is a community-based prospective survey of AF patients in our city. The inclusion criterion of the registry is the documentation of AF at 12-lead electrocardiogram or Holter monitoring at any time, and there are no exclusion criteria. We started to enroll patients from March 2011, and follow-up data were available for 4,466 patients by the end of November 2019. From the registry, we excluded 1,220 patients without a pre-existing HF (defined as having one of the following; prior hospitalization for HF, New York Heart Association class ≥2, or left ventricular ejection fraction &lt;40%). Among 3,246 AF patients without HF, we investigated 1,189 patients with the data of plasma BNP (n=401) or N-terminal pro-BNP (n=788) level at the enrollment. We divided the patients according to the quartile of each plasma BNP or NT-pro BNP level and compared the backgrounds and outcomes between these 4 groups stratified by plasma NP level. Results Of 1,189 patients, the mean age was 72.1±10.2 years, 454 (38%) were female and 684 (58%) were paroxysmal AF. The mean CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score were 1.6±1.1 and 2.9±1.5, respectively. Oral anticoagulants were prescribed in 671 (56%) at baseline. The median (interquartile range) BNP and N-terminal pro-BNP level were 84 (38, 176) and 500 (155, 984) pg/ml, respectively. Patients with high plasma NP level were older, and demonstrated lower prevalence of paroxysmal AF, higher CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores and higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease and oral anticoagulants prescription (all P&lt;0.01). A total of 165 all-cause death, 114 stroke/systemic embolism and 103 HF hospitalization occurred during the median follow-up period of 5.0 years. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that higher plasma NP level was significantly associated with the incidences of all-cause death, stroke/systemic embolism and HF hospitalization in AF patients without HF (Figure 1A). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that plasma NP level could stratify the risk of clinical outcomes even after adjustment by type of AF, CHA2DS2-VASc score, chronic kidney disease and oral anticoagulant prescription (Figure 1B). Conclusion Plasma NP level is a significant prognostic marker for all-cause death, stroke/systemic embolism and HF hospitalization in AF patients without HF, suggesting the importance of measuring plasma NP level in AF patients even without HF. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Peritoneal well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma associated with infertility in a 37-year-old woman

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 030006052098668
Author(s):  
Bo Pang ◽  
Cong Hu ◽  
Qian Liu ◽  
Jinyu Yu ◽  
Zhentong Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Benign Tumors ◽  
Free Fluid ◽  
Adenomatoid Tumor ◽  
Cancer Antigen 125 ◽  
Immunohistochemical Markers ◽  
Serum Ca125 ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Well Differentiated ◽  
The Right

Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM) is an uncommon mesothelial tumor. The lesions may be single or multiple and usually behave in a benign or indolent fashion, sometimes persisting for many years. In the present case, a 37-year-old woman had experienced primary infertility for 12 years, and a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. Approximately 200 mL of dark red, free fluid in the pelvis and more than 10 yellow-white nodules on the surface of the right round ligament, sacrum ligament, right fallopian tube, and both sides of the uterus were found. A lesionectomy was performed and immunohistochemical markers indicated WDPM with adenomatoid tumor. The patient was monitored by computed tomography and serum CA125 (cancer antigen 125) levels for 49 months with no recurrence. WDPM and adenomatoid tumor are both benign tumors of mesothelial origin. Because of the lack of effective radical treatment, regular follow-up is sufficient. However, the effects of estrogen and progesterone on WDPM and adenomatoid tumors during ovulation or pregnancy remains unclear. Although WDPM is not life threatening, a strategy to fulfill the fertility requirements of women with this condition is a new challenge for infertility doctors.

662 Single Surgeon Experience Using a Polyactide-based Copolymer Dressing to Over and Secure Split Thickness Skin Grafts in Burn Patients.

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S186-S187
Author(s):  
Eduardo Navarro ◽  
Tera Thigpin ◽  
Joshua S Carson
Keyword(s):  
Skin Graft ◽  
Outer Layer ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Graft Loss ◽  
Total Body Surface Area ◽  
Surgeon Experience ◽  
Pain Outcomes ◽  
Total Body ◽  
Operative Notes

Abstract Introduction In both partial thickness burns and skin graft donor sites, coverage with Polylactide-based copolymer dressing (PLBC dressing) has been shown to result in expedited healing and improved pain outcomes when compared to more traditional techniques. These advantages are generally attributed to the way in which PLBC remains as an intact coating over the wound bed throughout the healing process, protecting wounds from the contamination and microtraumas associated with changes more conventional dressings. At our institution, we began selectively utilizing PLBC as a means of securing and protecting fresh skin graft, in hopes that we would find similar benefits in this application. Methods Clinical Protocol-- The PLBC dressing was used at the attending surgeon’s discretion. In these cases, meshed STSG was placed over prepared wound beds. Staples were not utilized. PLBC dressing was then placed over the entirety of the graft surface, securing graft in place by adhering to wound bed through intercises. (Staples were not used.) The graft and PLBC complex was further dressed with a layer of non-adherent cellulose based liner with petroleum based lubricant, and an outer layer of cotton gauze placed as a wrap or bolster. Post operatively, the outer layer (“wrap”) of gauze was replaced as needed for saturation. The PLBC and adherent “inner” liner were left in place until falling off naturally over the course of outpatient follow-up. Retrospective Review-- With IRB approval, patients treated PLBC over STSG between April 2018 to March 2019 were identified via surgeon’s log and pulled for review. Documentation gathered from operative notes, progress notes (inpatient and outpatient) and clinical photography was used to identify demographics, mechanism of injury, depth, total body surface area percentage (TBSA%), size of area treated with PLBC dressing, graft loss, need for re-grafting, signs of wound infection, antibiotic treatment, and length of stay. Results Twenty-two patients had STSG secured and dressed with PLBC. Median patient age was 36.5 years. Median TBSA was 5.1%, and median treated area 375 cm2. Follow up ranged from 21 to 232 days post-operatively, with two patients lost to follow up. All patients seen in outpatient follow up were noted to have “complete graft take” or “minimal” graft. None of the areas treated with PLBC dressing required re-grafting. There were no unplanned readmissions, and no wound infections were diagnosed or treated. Practitioners in in-patient setting and in follow up clinic reported satisfaction with the PLBC dressing. Conclusions The PLBC dressing was a feasible solution for securing and dressings STSGs. Future work is needed to determine whether its use is associated with an improvement in patient outcomes.

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