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Background: Growing teratoma syndrome(GTS)is the progression of a mature teratoma during or following radiochemotherapy for germ cell tumors. We report two surgical cases of GTS. CASE 1: A 24-day-old new-born presented with vomiting and head enlargement. Blood alfa-feto protein(AFP)and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG)were within or at the upper limits of the normal ranges. Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)demonstrated a large mass in the posterior fossa causing the severe hydrocephalus. Tumor removal was immediately performed. Histological diagnosis given was immature teratoma. While chemotherapy effectively reduced the level of tumor makers, multiple recurrence was noticed on MRI 70 days after the surgery. GTS was suspected and total removal was performed. Histological examination revealed a mature teratoma. The patient is growing normally thereafter, 2.5 years after the onset. CASE 2: A 16-year-old male presented with binasal hemianopsia. Blood AFP and β-hCG were within or at the upper limits of the normal ranges. MRI demonstrated an intrasellar mass protruding upward. Tumor removal was performed and histological diagnosis given was mixed germ cell tumor. While radiochemotherapy effectively normalized the tumor makers, recurrence was noticed on MRI 190 days after the surgery. Total removal was performed with the diagnosis of GTS. Histological examination revealed a mature teratoma. The patient lives a normal school life thereafter as followed up after a year after the onset., Conclusion: It is important to diagnose and perform the surgery early enough to enable total removal of the mass presenting as GTS because total surgical removal is the only treatment for GTS.

The cerebellar cortex, the brain region responsible for motor coordination and learning expresses a high density of B-type γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAbR). Previous in vitro and in situ studies indicated that cerebellar GABAbR may mediate multiple forms of inhibitory and excitatory modulation of cerebellar circuits. Nevertheless, the in vivo influence of cerebellar GABAbR activation is unclear. As the first step in addressing this issue, we examined how pharmacological activation of cerebellar GABAbR modulates optokinetic reflex (OKR), an involuntary cerebellum-dependent eye movement for stabilizing the retinal image against the drift of the visual scene. We injected baclofen, a GABAbR-selective agonist, or control saline into the cerebellar flocculi of adult mice and then performed 1-h OKR measurement sessions on two consecutive days. In the day 1 session, the baclofen (5 nM)-injected mice and control mice showed similar initial OKR gains and similar training-induced increases in the OKR gain (OKR adaptation). This result suggests that GABAbR activation does not affect cerebellar computation for executing OKR and formation of short-term memory for OKR adaptation. At the beginning of the day 2 session, the baclofen (5 nM or 50 μM)-injected mice showed an OKR gain higher than that achieved in the day 1 session while the control mice did not. This result suggests that GABAbR activation may facilitate the formation of OKR adaptation-related long-term memory. These findings provide a new insight into the functional architecture of the cerebellar circuits and indicate GABAbR to be a new target of pharmacological therapy against diseases with cerebellar dysfunction.

We reported an extremely rare case of cerebellar hemangioblastoma with marked pleomorphism and reviewed the literature. A 68-year-old male presented with a one-month history of headache and vomiting. Neurological examination revealed right-sided dysmetria and truncal ataxia. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging revealed a heterogeneously enhancing tumor with solid and cystic components in the right cerebellum. The solid portion of the tumor was low intensity on diffusion-weighted imaging and low intensity on susceptibility-weighted imaging. 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET showed low uptake in the cerebellar tumor and the whole body examination was negative for malignancy. Vertebral angiogram demonstrated moderate tumor staining and no early filling veins. The patient underwent total removal of the tumor through suboccipital craniotomy. Microscopically, the solid tumor contained a cellular rich component consisting of stromal cells and a markedly pleomorphic component including atypical and multinucleated giant cells. The MIB-1 positive rate was 8.2%, which was slightly higher compared to that of hemangioblastomas. We observed strong staining for inhibin-α, aquaporin 1 and neuron specific enolase (NSE) in the tumor cells. PAX-2, cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) were completely negative in the tumor cells, whereas the tumor cells demonstrated focal staining for CD10. The histological diagnosis was hemangioblastoma. Follow-up MR images showed no evidence of recurrent tumor 14 months after the resection. The study using a combination of immunohistochemical markers (e.g. inhibin-α, aquaporin 1 and PAX-2) is useful for differential diagnosis of hemangioblastoma from metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Problems associated with arterial access can sometimes occur in elder patients with arteriosclerosis. This study examined the management of patients with restricted arterial access using thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Thirty-four consecutive patients underwent TEVAR at our institution. TEVAR was performed using a Gore TAG device (n = 20), Talent thoracic stent graft (n = 10), and a homemade endoprosthesis device (n = 3). The sizes of the applied sheath introducer or delivery catheter were 20 Fr (n = 1), 22 Fr (n = 12), 24 Fr (n = 17), and 25 Fr (n = 4). Although the procedure was completed in all cases, additional procedures for catheter preparation were required in 8 patients (23.5%). Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with stents placed in the iliac artery (n = 3) or the installation of a bypass conduit (n = 4) was also carried out. For the remaining cases, in which advancement of the TAG sheath introducer to the appropriate position was not possible, the endoprosthesis was deployed without the sheath introducer. Two cases required PTA after the procedure due to an injury of the iliac artery. Although some additional procedures may be required, TEVAR can be performed in patients with problems of arterial access.

Unlabelled: We performed bronchoplasty for a bronchogenic tumor of low-grade malignancy without lung parenchyma resection. A 69-year-old man visited our hospital in March 2008 because of cough. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed atelectasis of the entire left upper lobe and a 2-cm mass with strong contrast enhancement in the lumen of the left main bronchus. Bronchoscopy identified a polypoid mass in the left main bronchus, about 3 cm distal to carina, obstructing the lumen. Biopsy led to a diagnosis of typical carcinoid tumor. Surgery : Thoracotomy showed complete atelectasis of the left upper lobe. After lymph node dissection, resection of the left main bronchus including the site of tumor origin was performed. From the extent of expansion, the left upper lobe was decided to be possible to be spared, and end-to-end anastomosis of the bronchus was performed. Postoperative respiratory rehabilitation resulted in improved aeration of the left upper lobe and markedly improved respiratory function., Conclusion: The judgment of whether the long-standing atelectatic left upper lobe could be spared or not was a key in choosing this procedure.

Carotid ultrasonography is useful for patients in the early stage of atherosclerosis or with manifest vascular disease. We can assess the intima-media thickness (IMT), stenosis, and also elasticity of the carotid artery noninvasively. IMT is well-known as a strong predictor of future vascular events and a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis. We examined 353 consecutive subjects (coronary artery disease: n=92, cerebral vascular disease: n=62, peripheral arterial disease: n=104), regarding whether the accumulation of vascular diseases affects the IMT. The maximum IMT of the common carotid artery expanded with increasing numbers of vascular diseases (no vascular disease, 1.10 +/- 0.51; one vascular disease, 1.38 +/- 0.63; two vascular diseases, 1.69 +/- 0.65; three vascular diseases, 2.01 +/- 0.67 mm; p < 0.01, no vs. one vascular disease, one vs. two vascular diseases). The accumulation of vascular diseases, independent of the types of vascular lesion, accelerated carotid atherosclerosis. The stiffness parameter beta of the carotid artery was related to the brachial-to-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV) (n=38, r = 0.81, p < 0.0001). Stiffness parameter beta (10.95 +/- 2.8) and baPWV (1,549 +/- 179 cm/s) in the metabolic syndrome (MetS) group (n=18) was higher than in the preliminary MetS (n=12, 8.82 +/- 1.69, 1417 +/- 148 cm/s) and control (n=8, 7.90 +/- 1.78, 1357 +/- 171 cm/s) groups. The mean IMT of the common carotid artery was not different between the MetS and preliminary MetS groups. Morphological and functional changes in atherosclerosis can be evaluated employing carotid ultrasonography.

We report a case of functional mediastinal parathyroid adenoma with cystic change. A 72-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of general fatigue. Laboratory examinations suggested a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism (HPT) based on high levels of serum calcium and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH). Computed tomography (CT) revealed the shape of a cystic tumor with a diameter of 4 cm in the anterior mediastinum. 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy showed accumulation of the radioisotope in the tumor. The patient was diagnosed as primary HPT caused by the cystic parathyroid adenoma. The tumor was resected through a median sternotomy. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, and her serum calcium and intact PTH levels rapidly returned to normal. Careful dissection is essential in order not to occur implantation of parathyroid tissue.

The approach that should be used for an anterior apical tumor still remains controversial. Since a modified open door method was very useful for the widening of the surgical field in a recent patient with an anterior apical tumor, an outline of this case is reported. The patient was a 66-year-old male with squamous cell carcinoma of the anterior apical region of the right lung (suspected to be invading the thoracic wall, cT3N1M0). After a midline sternal incision with a right unilateral collar incision, the medial half of the right clavicle and a few cm of the right 1st rib on the sternal side were resected to sufficiently expose the area from the right brachiocephalic trunk to around the subclavicular artery and vein, where invasion was suspected. This treatment facilitated widening of the visual field around the site of tumor invasion and made safe right upper lobectomy + combined thoracic wall resection + ND2a possible. In this patient, anterolateral incision at the 4th intercostal level, which is made using the original open door method, could be avoided, probably minimizing surgical invasion.

We report a case of a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the pleura which is suspected of chest wall tumor. A 52-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of epigastralgia and body weight loss. Chest X-ray and computed tomography showed a circumscribed mass of 35 x 22 mm in diameter arising from the parietal pleura. Positron emission tomography showed uptake valve of 1.5. SFT of chest wall origin was suspected and performed video-assisted thoracic surgery. The pedunculated tumor attached to the visceral pleura. The tumor was diagnosed as a benign SFT in intraoperative diagnosis. Long term clinical follow-up is recommended for patients with SFT, because the tumor recurrence and malignant transformation may occur in tumors with benign histological features.

Gliomatosis cerebri is a diffuse growth pattern of glioma consisting of exceptionally extensive infiltration of at least three cerebral lobes. We report a case of histologically confirmed glioblastoma multiforme in the cerebellar vermis which occurred 9 years after treatment for gliomatosis cerebri. A 33-year-old woman presented to our department for evaluation of visual disturbance. T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed hyperintense lesions in the bilateral frontal and parietal lobes. Histological examination of biopsy specimens from the left frontal lobe lesion demonstrated diffuse infiltration of glial neoplastic cells with preservation of the underlying cytoarchitecture, leading to the diagnosis of gliomatosis cerebri. She received 60 Gy hyperfractionated irradiation to the whole brain, and the lesion responded partially. The patient remained stable for 4 years, but T2-weighted MR imaging 5 years after the initial treatment showed enlargement of the hyperintense area. She received nimustine hydrochloride chemotherapy, and again partial response was observed. However. T1-weighted MR imaging after administration of gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid detected enhanced lesions in the cerebellar vermis, cerebellar hemisphere, and left posterior limb of the internal capsule 9 years after the initial treatment, although no abnormal findings were observed on initial and follow-up MR imaging. She underwent subtotal removal of the lesion in the cerebellar vermis. The surgical specimens were characterized by dense proliferation of atypical tumor cells with scattered mitosis and endothelial proliferation. The histological diagnosis was glioblastoma multiforme. The patient received gamma knife irradiation for the remnant lesion in the cerebellar vermis, and the lesions in the cerebellar hemisphere and left posterior limb of the internal capsule, and chemotherapy with temozolomide. However, multiple enhanced lesions were detected in the cerebellar vermis 2 months after the start of the temozolomide chemotherapy, and she died 8 months later. This case suggests that glioblastoma multiforme could develop in the long term after initial treatment for gliomatosis cerebri, and in a location separate from the initial lesion.

We herein present a case who underwent vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAC) therapy for post-sternotomy mediastinitis. A 71-year-old female with chronic renal failure on dialysis underwent a graft replacement of the ascending aortic aorta for the treatment of an acute aortic dissection. After she was discharged from the hospital, a purulent discharge was noted to occur from the median sternal wound. The wound was therefore reopened and all sternal wires were removed. Thereafter, polyurethane foam which was shaped to fit the defect was placed within the cavity. The area was covered with adhesive drape and suction drainage was carried out at -100 mmHg. The polyurethane foam was replaced every few days. The wound was finally closed using a muscle flap at 49 days after surgery. VAC therapy is therefore considered to be a useful treatment modality for deep sternal wound infections.

An 81-year-old male appealed against a feeling of dyspnea, and consulted the hospital. The giant tumor discovered in the thorax and it was enlarging gradually for 7 years. The tumor shadow with a diameter of about 15 cm was noted in right lower lung field on the chest X-ray. A definite diagnosis was not obtained by the needle biopsy. The tumor was found to exist between upper lobe and lower lobe and pressed lower lobe at surgery. The tumor was completely excised with partial resection of the collapsed lower lobe. The tumor was 1,050 g in weight and 18 cm in maximum diameter. Pathological examination showed the irregular and plan-like arrangement of the spindle-shape cell. Immunohistochemical study revealed positive findings for bcl-2 and CD34, negative findings for desmin, ketatin, and alpha-actin. The tumor was diagnosed as malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura due to highly atypical nuclear finding with an abundant nuclear fission or histology.

Three-dimensional imaging with MRI is a useful method for neurosurgical simulations. As in our previous study, we have constructed three-dimensional surface anatomical scanning (3D-SAS) from the data of contrast enhanced 3D fast spoiled gradient recalled acquisition in the steady state (3D-FSPGR) sequence. Using this technique, it is possible to generate 3D images from the data of only one acquisition, without using the fusion function. In our previous study, we did not compare the 3D images with the operative views at surgery. In the present study, two radiologists and one neurosurgeon assessed the 3D images in comparison with the operative views. There were problems in some cases, including unclear cortical sulci owing to brain swelling, lack of depiction of the cortical veins owing to meningeal enhancement, inadequate distinction between pial veins and meningeal veins, and so forth. However, in the majority of cases, 3D-SAS with 3D-FSPGR was able to demonstrate good anatomical conformity with the operative views, indicating the clinical usefulness of this technique.

We reported a rare case of cervical glioblastoma with intracranial dissemination at an early stage of clinical course and reviewed the literature. An 8-year-old girl presented with failure of vision 3 months prior to admission to our hospital. Neurological examination on admission disclosed no definitive abnormalities except for bilateral visual disturbance and optic atrophy. Cranial MR images revealed a homogeneously enhancing tumor in the left sylvian fissure. Multiple spotty T2-hyperintensity lesions without contrast enhancement were also disclosed in bilateral cerebellum. Spinal MR images showed an enhancing tumor at C7 and tiny enhancing lesions on the surface of T11. The patient underwent an uneventful excision of the exophytic tumor at C7. The histological diagnosis was glioblastoma. The enhancing tumor in the left sylvian fissure treated by Linac stereotactic radiotherapy with a marginal dose of 38.4Gy in 12 fractions has diminished, whereas the residual tumor at C7 remained unchanged after radiation of 44Gy. In contrast, the multiple spotty lesions without contrast enhancement dispersedly spread in the cerebellum and infiltrated into brain stem despite 4 courses of chemotherapy using ifosfamide, cisplatin, and etoposide. Stereotactic biopsy of the multiple spotty lesions in the cerebellum was performed. Histological examination revealed anaplastic astrocytoma. The patient died 2 weeks after the biopsy despite additional chemotherapy and focal irradiation to the cerebellum. Early detection and selection of optimal therapeutic strategies are important in management of spinal glioblastoma with subarachnoid dissemination, since neuroradiological findings and therapeutic sensitivity are varied according to differentiation of disseminated tumors.

We reported a rare case of pleomorphic TSH-producing pituitary adenoma with calcification and reviewed the literature. A 25-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of anterior neck swelling. An endocrinological examination demonstrated elevated serum levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3: 5.6 pg/ml), free thyroxin (FT4: 2.2 ng/dl), TSH (5.85 microIU/ml), and TSH a-subunit (5.9 ng/ml), whereas a physical examination revealed no goiter. CT scan showed a suprasellar isodensity mass with dense calcification. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images revealed a less enhancing tumor extending from the left upper portion of pituitary fossa into suprasellar cistern. The patient underwent gross total removal of the tumor via the right pterional approach. Microscopically, medium-sized to enlarged tumor cells with marked pleomorphism and prominent calcification were observed. The tumor cells displayed positive reaction for TSH (beta-subunit). The MIB-1 index averaged 2.9%. The histological diagnosis was a pleomorphic TSH-producing pituitary adenoma. Postoperatively, the serum levels of FT3, FT4, TSH, and TSH alpha-subunit decreased to normal range. Follow-up MR images showed no evidence of recurrent tumor 3 years after the resection. All of six patients with densely calcified TSH-producing pituitary adenoma, previously reported in the literature, remained well without tumor recurrence. We suggest that this type of TSH-producing pituitary adenoma may be associated with favorable prognosis despite histologically pleomorphic appearance.

We reported a rare case of supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (sPNET) and reviewed the literature. A 15-year-old girl presented with a one-month history of headache and vomiting. CT scans showed a huge, solid and cystic tumor with calcification, occupying the left anterior cranial fossa. The solid portion of the tumor was hypointense on T1-weighted images, slightly hyperintense on T2-weighted images, hyperintense on diffusion- weighted images, isointense on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images, and strongly enhanced after administration of contrast medium. The expansile tumor had a broad attachment to the dura matter of the anterior cranial fossa. The patient underwent an uneventful extirpation of the tumor. Microscopically, the solid tumor contained small, round poorly-differentiated cells with pleomorphic nuclei and brisk mitotic activity. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for synaptophysin and GFAP, whereas lack of MIC2 gene product expression was confirmed using the monoclonal antibody 12E7. The MIB-1-positive rate was 43%. The histological diagnosis was sPNET. Postoperatively, a dose of 30.6Gy was administrated to the whole brain and a boost of 19.6Gy to the T2-hyperintensity lesion. The patient successively received a dose of 30.4Gy to the whole spine and Linac stereotactic radiotherapy with a marginal dose of 16.8Gy at the tumor bed. Three months after radiotherapy the patient received chemotherapy using carboplatin and etoposide. Follow-up MR images showed no evidence of recurrent tumor 5 months after the radiochemotherapy. On the basis of MR findings on both diffusion-weighted and FLAIR images, preoperative diagnosis of sPNET may be important for choosing appropriate therapeutic strategies for this tumor.

We have experienced a case of acute pulmonary embolism after lung cancer operation. The case was a 74-year-old male. He underwent left upper lobectomy due to squamous cell carcinoma. He fell into shock state suddenly on the 6th day postoperatively. We diagnosted acute pulmonary embolism, performed urgent embolectomy under percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS). Postoperative course was smooth, and he has returned to normal daily life. Urgent diagnosis and management are indispensable for acute pulmonary embolism after lung cancer operation from the aspect of residual among of pulmonary vascular bed.

A rare case in presented of a patient with edema formation along the optic pathway, which was caused by metastatic suprasellar tumor mimicking craniopharyngioma. A 63-year-old female with visual disturbance, diabetes insipidus, and symptomatic panhypopituitarism was admitted to our hospital. CT images showed a suprasellar mass lesion. MR images demonstrated a heterogeneously enhanced tumor and edema along the optic nerve and tract. Although no cystic component is shown in radiological findings, these features are commonly observed in cases of craniopharyngioma. The patient underwent removal of the tumor by the transcranial approach. Since histological examination revealed adenocarcinoma, the tumor was diagnosed as metastatic brain tumor originating from non-recurrent rectal cancer operated on eight years previously. Conventional radiotherapy with a dose of 50GY was performed for the residual tumor. The tumor size was unchanged, but the edema had disappeared 7 months after the operation. Edema spreading along the optic tract was reported as a characteristic MR finding for diagnosis of craniopharyngiomas as distinguished from other common parasellar tumors. However, it is suggested that edema of the optic pathway seems to be caused not only by craniopharyngioma but also other suprasellar lesions. Even if there was a characteristic radiological finding for some specific diseases, metastasis should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis, because of its various appearance in neuroimages.

Between 1985 and 2001, eight patients with intracranial ependymomas underwent surgery at our hospital. The cases included six infratentorial ependymomas, one supratentorial ependymoma and one supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma. Infratentorial ependymomas were classified according to origin and extension. The lateral type tumors originated from the lateral part of the fourth ventricle in four cases. The midfloor type tumors originated from the inferior half of the fourth ventricular floor in two cases. The three totally resected tumors were the lateral type tumors. The remaining one case with the lateral type tumor underwent nearly total resection of the tumor, since the tumor involved lower cranial nerves. All patients with the midfloor type tumors underwent incomplete resections of the tumors, because the tumors infiltrated into brain stem. Lower cranial nerve involvement and brain stem invasion implied incomplete resection and had the poor prognosis. In intracranial ependymomas, all four patients with total resections have been alive, whereas three of four patients with incomplete resections have died. The mean survival time of all patients with intracranial ependymomas was 127 months from the time of the initial surgery. There were no deaths in the patients with tumors showing MIB-1 index < 10% (n = 4). The mean survival time of the patients with tumors showing MIB-1 index > or = 10% (n = 4), was 30 months. The extent of the resection, the age of the patients and MIB-1 index are important factors in the outcome in patients with intracranial ependymomas. Two representative children aged less than 3 years with the midfloor type tumors were presented. In a patient treated with conventional radiation and chemotherapy, residual tumor repeatedly enlarged within 12 months despite several resections of the tumor. The patient died 32 months after the initial resection. In contrast, the other patient received multidisciplinary treatment including Linac stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) with a marginal dose of 27 Gy in 9 fractions, have been still alive for 45 months after the initial resection. The residual tumor slightly decreased in size and remained stable without evident growth 12 months after SRT. SRT may provide good local control for patients with intracranial ependymomas and have a favorable impact on survival.

A case of astrocytoma with extracranial extension after malignant transformation is presented. The patient was a 58-year-old female who suffered from headache. The initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a slightly hyperintense tumor on T 2-weighted images in the tip of the left temporal lobe, and no contrast enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced T 1-weighted images(Gd-T 1 WI). On digital subtraction angiography, there was no tumor staining. The initial diagnosis was made as low-grade astrocytoma. However two months later, her symptoms aggravated suddenly. MRI revealed a remarkably growing tumor with ring-like enhancement on Gd-T 1 WI. She underwent a temporal lobectomy, which pathologically demonstrated a glioblastoma. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were performed. The tumor invades the skull base and extended into the infratemporal fossa 25 months after surgery.

We report a rare case of a primary intracerebral malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) with malignant progression from a premalignant stage. A 73-year-old male presented with mild hemiparesis on the right side of his body 4 months prior to admission. MR images showed a homogenously enhanced mass in the left parietal lobe. The patient underwent an uneventful extirpation of the solid mass. Microscopically, the solid tumor contained histiocytic cells and spindle-shaped fibroblastic cells arranged in a storiform pattern. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for vimentin, MAC 387 (macrophage marker) and alpha-1-antitrypsin. The MIB-1-positive rate was 1%. The histological diagnosis was fibrous histiocytoma. Postoperative MR images demonstrated no abnormally enhanced lesions. The patient's neurological symptoms and signs gradually improved. One year after surgery, he developed right hemiparesis. MR images showed a heterogeneously enhanced mass in the left sensorimotor area. This recurrent tumor was totally resected. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of atypical spindle-shaped cells, forming a storiform pattern. Pleomorphism was prominent, and necrotic foci were also seen. The MIB-1 labeling index averaged 11%. The histological findings corresponded to those of MFH. Unfortunately, the patient died of interstitial pneumonia contracted during postoperative radiotherapy. Early detection and resection at a stage of low malignant potential, followed by radiochemotherapy, are crucial for the management of this mesenchymal tumor.

Forty thymomas and thymic carcinomas were classified in terms of WHO histologic typing, Masaoka staging system, and p53 expression. In WHO histologic typing, type A, AB, B1, B2, B3, and C were 1, 10, 16, 5, 4, and 4 cases, respectively. In Masaoka staging system, I, II, III, and IV were 15, 9, 10, and 6 cases, respectively. Thirteen thymomas exhibited positive p53 expression and 27 did not. Type A and AB thymomas had more favorite prognosis than type B3 and C thymomas, and prognosis of type B1 and B2 was middle. Staging by the Masaoka system also correlated with survival rates. Patients who had p53-negative thymomas survived longer than those who had p53-positive thymomas. A treatment strategy for thymomas and thymic carcinomas should be made on the basis of WHO histologic typing, Masaoka staging system, and p53 expression.

We reported a rare case of third ventricular chordoid glioma and reviewed the literature. A 25-year-old male presented with a two-year history of voracious appetite. Three months prior to admission, he developed progressive memory impairment. CT scan showed a well circumscribed, slightly hyperdense mass without calcification in the third ventricle. The 4.5-cm oval mass occupying the anterior part of the third ventricle was homogeniously enhanced on MR images after administration of contrast medium. Small cystic components were present in the periphery of the mass. CT-guided stereotactic biopsy was performed. Microscopically, epithelioid tumor cells were embedded in mucinous stroma containing a lympho-plasmacytic infiltration. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for GFAP and vimentin. The MIB-1-positive rate was 1.2%. The histological diagnosis was a chordoid glioma. One month after the biopsy, a right frontal craniotomy was performed to remove the tumor via the anterior transcallosal interfornitial approach. The tumor arising from the anterior part of the third ventricle wall was soft, mildly vascular and light-grayish. The tumor was completely resected. The histological findings were identical with those of the biopsy specimens. Postoperatively, the patient developed diabetes inspidus, hyperthermia, worsening memory impairment, and transient hyponatremia. The patient's symptoms gradually improved and follow-up MR images showed no evidence of recurrent tumor 17 months after the resection. Despite low-grade appearance, attachment of the tumor to the hypothalamus preclude complete resection, and this may result in tumor recurrence and less favorable prognosis in the current reports. Early detection and aggressive resection followed by stereotactic radiotherapy are important in the management of chordoid glioma.

Orbital neuroma is a rare disease accounting for a certain percentage of all orbital tumors. However, because of the anatomical features of the orbit, the origin of the tumor has been diagnosed in only a few cases. The authors report a case of orbital neuroma arising from a short ciliary nerve that was confirmed during surgery. The patient was a 72-year-old female. She visited our hospital with complaints of left visual disturbance, exophthalmus and diplopia. Neurological examination on admission also revealed Marcus gunn pupil sign. CT scan and MRI imaging showed a left orbital tumor located along the superior surface of the optic nerve and adjacent to the posterior pole of the eye ball. She underwent superior orbitotomy through a transcranial approach. The tumor was encapsulated and adhered tightly to the sclera, short ciliary nerve, and optic nerve. For this reason, it was removed without a part of the adhered capsule. Since histological examination revealed neuroma, the tumor was diagnosed as short ciliary nerve neuroma. Postoperatively no additional deficits occurred. The exophthalmus, diplopia and Marcus gunn pupil sign disappeared and visual acuity was improved after the surgery. In such a case of short ciliary nerve neuroma, it is possible to remove the tumor without any neurological deficit, if careful consideration of microsurgical anatomy is made.

A case of frontal atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) was presented in the findings of single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) using 201Tl-chloride (Tl) and 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), and positron emission tomography using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and (11C-methyl)-L-methionine (Met). A 16-year-old female had an episode of Jacksonian seizures one month prior to admission. CT scans showed an isodensity mass with heterogeneous enhancement in the left frontal lobe. MR images revealed a tumor with solid and cystic components and perifocal edema. SPECT demonstrated intense accumulation of Tl and MIBG in the enhancing lesion 15 min and 30 min after intravenous injection of tracers, respectively. The 6-hr delayed SPECT showed no retention of MIBG in the enhancing lesion. FDG-PET and Met-PET revealed high uptake of tracers in the enhancing lesion. Met did not accumulate in the frontal white matter, which appeared hyperintense on T2-weighted MR images. The patient underwent an uneventful extirpation of the solid mass, where Met had accumulated. Microscopically, the solid tumor contained rhabdoid cells, spindle-shaped cells resembling mesenchymal cells, and nests of small cells. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for vimentin, cytokeratin, and epithelial membrane antigen. The MIB-1 labeling index was 25%. The histological diagnosis was AT/RT. Postoperative course was uneventful. A dose of 32.4 Gy was administrated to the whole brain and a boost of 27.8 Gy to the T2-hyperintensity lesion. Five months after the radiotherapy, MRI showed neither abnormal enhancing lesions nor the T2-hyperintensity lesion. Multifarious studies using SPECT and PET are useful for differential diagnosis and for choosing optimal therapeutic strategy for this type of tumor.

We report herein the case of a 66-year-old man with basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) of the esophagus. There are only 60 cases of BSCC of the esophagus previously reported in Japan. In our patient, endoscopic findings revealed a type 2 in the lower intrathoracic esophagus (Lt), and the tumor was intact with the aorta (T2). A biopsy suggested that it was adenosquamous cell carcinoma. An operation was done on June 11, 1996. With open thoracotomy, esophagectomy was performed with mediastinal lymphnode dissection by posterior mediastinal esophagogastrostomy. Histologically, the lesion of the tumor with ulceration was composed of BSCC, and other lesion was composed of typical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The immunohistochemical findings of the respected specimens led us to suspect that the basal-layer-type SCC had transformed into BSCC by undergoing differentiation and expansive proliferation. According to the prognosis, eventually the patient died of pneumonia due to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and candida 4 years and 9 months after the surgery.

A patient with Moyamoya-like vessels after radiation therapy for treatment of a tumor in the basal ganglia is reported. He was diagnosed as Down syndrome at birth. He had a tumor in the left basal ganglionic region at 12 years of the age. The tumor increased in size at age 14. He underwent cerebral angiography, which did not show a stenosis nor occlusion of the internal carotid artery, anterior cerebral artery, nor the middle cerebral artery. He received radiation therapy with a total dose of 56 Gy. He presented a dressing apraxia at age 19. MRI showed cerebral infarction in the left temporo-occipital region. Right internal carotid angiography revealed a severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery and anterior cerebral artery as well as a severe stenosis of the middle cerebral artery on the right side. Moyamoya-like vessels were seen in the basal ganglionic region. Left internal carotid angiography also showed a stenosis of the internal carotid artery and anterior cerebral artery as well as a severe stenosis of the middle cerebral artery on the left side. Moyamoya-like vessels were seen in the basal ganglionic region. Leptomeningeal anastomose and transdural anastomose were bilaterally seen. These arterial occlusion and stenotic phenomenon corresponded to a previous radiation field. These Moyamoya-like vessels with arterial stenosis and occlusion were thought to be due to radiation-induced vasculopathy, because a previous cerebral angiography showed a normal caliber of cerebral arteries. This patient showed that patients with radiation therapy in their early childhood should be carefully observed considering the possibility of this phenomenon.

The possibility of safe implementation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using nedaplatin (254-S) was investigated with the aim of improving the therapeutic results in advanced esophageal cancer patients. The subjects had usually undergone two courses of 254-S, 80 or 100 mg/m2, preoperatively, at intervals of 4 weeks. After chemotherapy, responses were evaluated, and resection was undertaken 4 weeks after the final administration. The subjects were 10 patients with untreated esophageal cancer. As a result of evaluation of responses of main lesions to chemotherapy, a partial response (PR) was observed in 3 patients, and a minor response 3, showing an efficacy rate of 30%. Pathological findings before treatment were determined by staining of a cell cycle marker (Ki-67). The 3 patients who were evaluated as PR (clinical efficacy) showed high rates of positivity for Ki-67 of 47.4%, 52.7%, and 86%, respectively. There were no serious complications and no death related to operation. The observations suggested that 254-S, which has little or no side effects including nephrotoxicity, can become the standard remedy for esophageal cancer instead of CDDP in future.

We have experienced a case of mediastinal abscess and tracheal fistula after operation for esophageal cancer and successfully closed by using intercostal muscle pedicle flap. A 61-year-old male underwent esophagectomy for advanced esophageal cancer. On the 12th postoperative day, mediastinal abscess caused by leakage was detected, and drainage of the mediastinal and thoracic cavity was performed. On the 29th postoperative day, tracheal fistula was detected, and operation was performed in order to close the fistula by using of intercostal muscle pedicle flap. His postoperative course was fair and general condition was improvement, esophageal reconstruction using of free jejunal graft was performed and oral ingestion was started.

Twenty-four patients with chest wall tumors underwent resection during the past twenty years. There were 12 female and 12 male patients with ages ranging from 7 months to 78 years (mean 44 years). Five patients had primary malignant neoplasms, 7 had metastases, and 12 had benign tumors. The tumor was located in the soft tissue in 14 patients and in the ribs and the sternum in 10. Ninety-two percent of tumors were diagnosed correctly if they were benign or malignant before resection, however the final diagnosis was made in only 25% of benign tumors and 54% of malignant tumors before surgery. Thirty-one operations were performed in 24 patients and 10 reconstruction with prosthetic materials were done. Concerning malignant neoplasms patients with primary tumors had better prognosis than those with metastases and patients underwent reconstruction had better prognosis than those underwent resection only. We conclude that wide resection with reconstruction is potentially curative treatment.

A 53-year-old man with left lung cancer underwent left upper lobectomy and extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Shortly before the end of the operation, electrocardiogram showed elevation of ST wave and multiple ventricular premature contractures first, then ventricular fibrillations, and finally cardiac arrest. Coronary artery spasm was strongly suspected. The patient was resuscitated by cardiac massage and countershock immediately, however, such attacks repeated several times. As medication and cardiac pacing were not effective, percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) was established. The hemodynamics was stabilized with PCPS. He was weaned off PCPS the next day. He was discharged and has had no attack so far. PCPS is an excellent modality for intraoperative coronary spasm which is uncontrollable by medicines and other methods.

Twelve patients who suffered from low grade malignant tumors arisen in the trachea and the bronchus (6 of carcinoid, 4 of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and 2 of adenoid cystic carcinoma) underwent surgical treatment from 1977 to 1996 in our department. Operations included 1 sleeve resection of the trachea, 1 patch plasty of the trachea, 3 sleeve lobectomies, and 7 lobectomies. Lymph node dissection was performed in 9 of 12 cases. Metastases in lymph nodes were not found in all 12 cases. Five year survival rate of low grade malignant tumors arisen in the trachea and the bronchus was 78.8% and better than that of stage I lung cancers.

The ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm is still a dramatic even with very poor outcome, whereby its survival depends largely on early diagnosis and operation. We report a successful case of aortic arch replacement for ruptured aortic arch aneurysm with cardiac tamponade. Lethal hemopericardium causing cardiac tamponade is most commonly seen as a complication of acute myocardial infarction or acute aortic dissection, and subsequent rupture of the heart or ascending aorta leads to the rapid accumulation of blood within the poorly distensible pericardial sac. Our case was operated upon emergency basis due to hemopericardium. On operative findings, the aortic aneurysm located the minor curvature of aortic arch and was a huge saccular shape. In surgical procedure, the total arch replacement was completed using selective cerebral antegrade perfusion with deep hypothermia. Postoperative course was uneventful and no cerebral complication was observed after surgery.

Twenty children with primary mediastinal tumor underwent surgical treatment. Ten patients had benign tumor and the other patients were malignant. Seven of ten patients with malignant tumor were neurogenic, and 3 patients were of germ cell tumor. In the clinical manifestation, 11 patients were asymptomatic. All of benign tumors were resected completely, but in a few patients with malignant tumors, the complete resection not possible. However, except for one patient with immature teratoma, all patients with malignant tumor have been surviving following postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Two infants with bronchogenic cyst were operated on their respiratory distress syndrome in emergency, and have been salvaged.

Between 1980 and 1995, 10 patients underwent thoracotomy for pulmonary aspergillosis. In six patients, hemoptysis and bloody sputum were the chief complaints. The other complaints were nonspecific. Six patients had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, and two of those patients underwent upper lobectomy. Aspergillosis had developed in the residual space. A fungus ball was observed on the preoperative chest X-ray and CT scan films in seven patients. Lobectomy was done in three patients, segmentectomy in two, and partial pulmonary resection in four. The patients with lesions that had grown in the residual space underwent curettage with muscle plombage. Three patients underwent thoracoplasty. An additional operation was done in two patients because of poor residual lung expansion. No patient had recurrence. We conclude that surgical treatment should be based on symptoms and on pathological findings.

In this paper the current technical trend for femoro-popliteal bypasses (FP) was discussed. There is a broad consensus that vascular prostheses such as Dacron or ePTFE are reliable alternatives to autogenous vein grafts (AVG) for FP above the knee (FPAK). However, AVG is employed for FP below the knee (FPBK), while there is no significant difference in long term patency between reversed vein and in situ vein grafts. Use of heparinized autogenous blood for preparation of AVG is superior to heparinized saline solution in the reendothelialization. The value for %-area of endothelial cell coverage in the AVGs is 20% at 2 hours after implantation, whereas 80% of the area is covered after one week. FPs for diabetic patients with intermittent claudication should be limited because there is a possibility of occurrence of isolated popliteal segment due to disease progression. 5-year primary cumulative patency rates of prostheses for FPAK and AVGs for FPBK are about 70%, justifying the strategy of using vascular prostheses for FPAKs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of high dose chemotherapy and restoration of hamatopoiesis following peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Three patients with pediatric malignant brain tumors (two medulloblastomas and one medullomyoblastoma) underwent high dose chemotherapy including CBDCA, VP-16, and MCNU with PBSCT. Postcontrast-MR images revealed no abnormal enhancing lesions after high dose chemotherapy in all patients. One patient with medulloblastoma has remained complete remission one year and seven months after the termination of treatment. Another patient with medullomyoblastoma died of respiratory distress syndrome one month after the second course of high dose chemotherapy. The other patient with medulloblastoma, which received PBSCT and high dose chemotherapy at the time of tumor recurrence after failure of initial treatment, suffered from multiple disseminated lesions five months after the treatment. PBSCT contributed prompt recovery from hematopoietic dysfunction in all patients. These results indicate that PBSCT may play an important adjuvant to chemotherapy and further offer a safer and more effective high dose chemotherapy in pediatric malignant brain tumor patients.

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia requires urgent surgical treatment. A 51-year-old female was injured in a speeding car. She had dyspnea, and resistance on the abdominal wall on physical examination. Intra-thoracic and abdominal visceral injury was suspected. A chest roentogenogram and CT scan revealed an obvious diaphragmatic herniation on the left which necessitated emergency operation. On the right semi-lateral position, left thoracoabdominal spiral incision was made through the 7th intercostal space. Good exposure of the chest and abdomen was easily obtained. Herniated organs and the abdominal cavity were thoroughly examined with ease. The diaphragm was repaired directly. She had an uneventful postoperative recovery, and was discharged in 17 days. Thoracoabdominal spiral incision offered an excellent operative exposure for the patient with a possible combined thoracic and abdominal visceral injury.

We studied 50 patients with mild to moderate renal dysfunction to compare pharmacokinetics of 99mTc-MAG3 with that of 131I-OIH. After simultaneous bolus injection of both 99mTc-MAG3 and 131I-OIH, 8-point venous blood sampling was performed from 2 to 44 min post injection. Aliquoted plasma samples were counted for radioactivity along with the injected standard to obtain % injected dose/ml plasma for each tracer. Using obtained time-concentration data, classical 2 compartment model analysis was performed for both tracers to obtain various pharmacokinetic parameters, including distribution volumes (Vds), inter-compartmental rate constants, and plasma clearance. In these parameters, Vd of central compartment, Vd at steady state, central to peripheral inter-compartmental rate constant, and plasma clearance were significantly larger for 131I-OIH. In all parameters, significant correlation was found between 99mTc-MAG3 and 131I-OIH. The best correlation was seen in plasma clearance (r = 0.891, p < 0.0001). Plasma clearance ratio (99mTc-MAG3/131I-OIH), however, showed weak but significant negative correlation with serum creatinine, although this correlation was not likely to affect the overall correlation of clearance between 131I-OIH and 99mTc-MAG3. From these results, we confirmed that 99mTc-MAG3 clearance could be used as an alternative to 131I-OIH clearance, although pharmacokinetic behavior of 99mTc-MAG3 was not exactly the same as that of 131I-OIH.

11C-methyl-L-methionine (C-11 Met)PET, CT and MR imaging were performed in eleven patients with malignant brain tumors before and after RT to evaluate the usefulness of positron emission tomography (PET) in monitoring tumor response to radiotherapy (RT). The subjects included five cases of intracranial malignant lymphoma (ICML) and six cases of glioma. C-11 Met uptake by the tumor (T) and the contralateral gray matter (NT) was calculated on the PET images. The mean T/NT ratio of the ICMLs and gliomas changed from 2.33 and 1.87, respectively, before RT to 1.31 and 1.58, respectively, after RT.No significant difference was found between the T/NT ratios before and after RT in either the ICMLs or the gliomas (t-test). We tentatively defined the minimum T/NT ratio, 1.2, as the threshold between tumor and nontumor regions. Tumors with a ratio of 1.2 or more were imaged as "hot" (MET) and coincided with CT or MR image lesions which were visualized as contrast-enhancing (CE) and low-density (LD) or high-intensity (HI). The relationships between PET, CT and MRI lesions were classified as follows: Type I (MET < or = CE), Type II [CE < MET < LD (HI)], Type III [LD(HI) < or = MET]. MET lesions extending regionally ( > 1 cm) beyond the respective CT or MR image lesions were designated "MET-extension" and LD (HI) lesions protruding ( > 1 cm) beyond the MET lesions were recorded as "LD (HI)-extension" on the integrated images. The type II pattern of the MET areas in all five cases of ICML before RT had changed to Type I in one case, Type III in one case and Type II in three cases, after RT, while the two Type II patterns and four Type III patterns of the gliomas had converted to four Type II and two Type III patterns. These findings indicate that gliomas tend to invade into areas of peritumoral edema more than ICMLs. There were two ICML MET-extension sites in the cortex before RT, as opposed to two in the cortex, one in the basal ganglia, one in the thalamus, and one in the corpus callosum among the gliomas. On follow-up CT or MR images MET-extension (75%) had converted to a CE or LD (HI) region. Four ICML LD (HI)-extension sites before RT were found in periventricular white matter, versus one in the cortex and three in the white matter among the gliomas. LD (HI)-extension appeared to represent vascular edema because it decreased or diminished after completion of therapy. Sequential analysis of integrated C-11 Met PET, CT and MR images is useful in detecting the extent of tumor infiltration by ICMLs and gliomas, particularly at an early stage, and for evaluating the effect of RT in the treatment of both.

A case of frontal hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis was presented with positron emission tomography (PET) using (11C-methyl)-L-methionine (11C-Met). A 55-year-old male developed right hemiparesis after generalized tonic convulsion one month prior to admission. MR images revealed patchy enhancement extending from the dura mater to the cerebral parenchyma surrounding high T2-weighted signal in the left frontal region. Left carotid angiogram showed atresia of the rostral superior sagittal sinus and obliteration of the cortical veins associated with compensatory venous channels coursing in the frontal deep white matter. PET demonstrated high 11C-Met uptake in the area corresponding to the enhancing lesion on the MR images. The ratio of lesion/normal cortex was 1.58 as an indicator of selective uptake in the lesion. The contralateral temporal gray matter was representative of a normal cortex. In contrast, 11C-Met did not accumulate in the frontal white matter where T2-weighted MR images showed abnormal high intensity lesion. This suggested that the frontal white matter lesion was derived from vasogenic edema due to venous infarction. The patient underwent an uneventful exploratory biopsy. The dura mater had proliferated to a thickness of 3.5mm and was tightly adherent to the left middle frontal gyrus. Microscopically, the thickened dura mater where the tracers had accumulated was composed of abundant collagenous fibers together with diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells, including predominantly lymphocytes, plasma cells, and neutrocytes. The lymphocytes, which proved positive in both UCHL-1 and L26 staining, had no atypism. Histological findings corresponded to hypertrophic pachymeningitis. Met-PET clearly represented viable and infiltrative zones of inflammatory cells. The patient's neurological symptoms and signs gradually improved. Follow-up MR images three months after the surgery showed the enhancing lesion to be diminished and a marked regression of the vasogenic edema. Spatial determination of viable lesions permitting differentiation from biological inactive or vasogenic edema is an important guideline in selecting an appropriate surgical procedure in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis. Met-PET would appear useful in delineating inflammatory lesions such as hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis.

Four patients underwent resection of mediastinal malignant tumors with invasion to the superior vena cava. Two patients had invasive thymoma, one seminoma, and one metastatic mediastinal lymph nodes of unknown origin. Prior to resection of the tumor, an ePTFE graft was anastomosed between the innominate vein and the right atrium to maintain the venous drainage from the brain and the upper extremities. In two patients, the superior vena cava was reconstructed by patch angioplasty after the tumor with a part of the vena cava was safely resected. One patient died of acute respiratory failure, but the other three are alive and well without any evidence of graft obstruction. This safe and useful method in order to prevent cerebral congestion during and after resection of the tumor.

To estimate proliferating activity of central neurocytoma, we measured kinetic rate constants and glucose metabolic rate (kinetic-rCMRGI) using dynamic positron emission tomography (PET), as well as autoradiographic rCMRG1 (arg-rCMRG1), in patients with histologically verified central neurocytoma. The subject included five patients, four males and one female, aged from 23 to 53 years with a mean age of 41 years old. All tumors were located in the lateral ventricle and two extended into the third ventricle through the forearm of Monro. Tumor lesion on the PET images was determined using CT or MRI, which was performed at levels equivalent to those for the PET scans. The kinetic rate constants of tracer transport from blood to brain (k1), reverse transport from brain to blood (k2), and phosphorylation (k3) were analyzed according to the three compartment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) model. For quantitative analysis, regions of interest (ROI) on PET images were delineated on the tumor and the contralateral gray matter. Tumor k1 and k2 values were similar to or higher than those of the contralateral gray matter, suggesting high permeability due to lack of blood-brain barrier. Tumor k3 value, an indicator of hexokinase activity, and kinetic-rCMRG1 were exceedingly lower in three of five patients. These three patients have been free from tumor recurrence or regrowth, postoperatively. The other two patients, tumor kinetic-rCMRG1 was similar to or higher than that of the contralateral gray matter. One patient suffered from tumor regrowth shortly after resection, and the other has been followed up postoperatively. Thus, k3 and kinetic-rCMRG1 are indicative parameters of proliferative activity in central neurocytoma.