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Vascular occlusion has multiple, diverse clinical manifestations, some of which can have grave consequences for patients. It also has a wide variety of causes, including thrombi, which we recently addressed in partI of this review. In this second part, we look at additional causes of vascular occlusion.

Metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) are prognostic predictors in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic impact of the baseline volumetric parameters calculated with positron emission tomography/computed tomography withThis is a retrospective observational study, which included 35 patients who underwent a baselineA univariate analysis revealed that VMT and TLG are predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), with a high discrimination capacity. Adding VMT and TLG to the immunohistochemical study and chromosomal translocation provided a better prognostic value for PFS and OS in patients diagnosed with DLBCL-NOS. Likewise, it was evidenced that the values of the volumetric parameters were lower in patients who presented a germinal center B cell phenotype (GCB) compared to patients with an activated B cell phenotype (ABC) who presented higher values.MTV and TLG added to the immunohistochemical study and chromosomal translocation provided a better prognostic value for PFS and OS in patients diagnosed with DLBCL-NOS.

To determine the areas of the life of primary caregivers (CP) that may be affected by caring for a patient, as well as the CP variables: health, occupational, economic and social problems, as well as the role that CP overload can play.A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 167 dependent chronic patients and their CPs. It included and analysis on the impact of caring about health, occupational, and economic problems, as well as maintaining social relationships in CP. A record was made of, demographic variables, age and gender, care, activities, time to care. For the dependent patients, the psychosocial typology of their disease, chronology, dependence, disability, and immobility was studied. The Zarit scale reduced by 8 items has been used for the study of the overload of CPs.More than two-thirds (68.8%) of CPs had health problems, 20.9% economic, 19.6% occupational, and 50.9% for positive family and social relationships. The health impact of CPs is related to psychosocial A typology, an increased level of dependence and immobility, gender, and greater number of care activities. The impact on work activities is related to age (66 years) gender, and home coexistence. The impact on social relationships is only related to kinship. Economic problems have no relationship to patient variables. The overload of CPs is related to health, work, financial, and social problems CONCLUSIONS: The health, financial, occupational, and social impact of CPs relate to variables of the sick person and CP, and especially to the overload perceived by the CPs.

To evaluate which residual clinical symptoms multi-organ failure (MOF) patients may exhibit post discharge from Intensive Care Units (ICU) and to identify the associated factors that cause such symptoms.A total of 545 adult patients admitted to a medicalsurgical ICU in Spain diagnosed with MOF on admission were included in the study. Follow up in the form of a telephone survey regarding the patients clinical symptoms were conducted at 6 and 12 months after discharge from ICU.A total of 266 patients were followed up at both 6 and 12 months post ICU discharge; 62.2% were male; age 60±18 years; 67.8% medical patients. The most common symptoms to appear following hospital discharge included: asthenia (173; 76%), sleep disturbances (112; 50%) and depression (109; 48%).The study revealed frequent residual clinical symptoms persisting for almost a year post ICU discharge, most notably arthromyalgia and asthenia. Depression symptoms during the first 6 months post-hospital discharge were also common among multiple organ failure survivors. The presence of symptomatology over time was found to be related to a poor functional situation at 6 and12 months post ICU discharge, length of hospital stay and severity of illness score on ICU admission.

Helicobacter pylori causes motor, secretory, and inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders and therefore the term "functional" has been questioned when referring to dyspepsia associated with this bacterium. Patients with dyspepsia and Helicobacter pylori infection could have clinical characteristics that differentiate them a priori from those with true functional dyspepsia.To determine whether there are clinical differences between patients with functional dyspepsia and Helicobacter pylori-associated dyspepsia that enable their a priori identification and to know the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with functional dyspepsia.A total of 578 patients with dyspepsia with no significant lesions detectable through endoscopy were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of Helicobacter pylori. The clinical characteristics, medical history, comorbidities, and use of health resources were compared between the two groups. A sub-analysis pairing the groups by age and sex in a 1:1 ratio was carried out to reduce bias.A total of 336 patients infected with Helicobacter pylori were compared with 242 non-infected patients. The prevalence of infection in the patients with dyspeptic symptoms and no endoscopically detectable lesions was 58%. The initial analysis showed that the cases with dyspepsia and Helicobacter pylori infection were more frequently associated with overweight, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome, but the paired analysis nullified all these differences.The patients with dyspepsia infected with Helicobacter pylori had similar clinical characteristics to the non-infected patients and could not be differentiated a priori. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with functional dyspepsia was 58% and increased with age.

The different forms of lubrication are among the most simple, accessible, and economic techniques that have been implemented for improving the diagnostic performance of colonoscopy.To determine whether the use of oil improved the number of complete colonoscopies, facilitated the procedure, reduced pain, or improved the study's diagnostic performance, compared with the conventional lubrication technique.One hundred and seventy-five patients referred for colonoscopy were alternately allocated to receive treatment with the standard lubrication method with chlorhexidine gel (group 1) or lubrication with corn oil administered through the working channel (group II). The number of complete colonoscopies, the length of time needed to reach the cecum, the degree of difficulty estimated by the endoscopist and the assistant, the level of pain at the end of the study estimated by the patient, and the endoscopic findings were all determined.Eighty-eight patients made up group I and 87 made up group II. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in relation to general characteristics, the number of complete colonoscopies (93 vs. 97%, respectively), the time needed to reach the cecum (8:00 vs. 8:41min, respectively), the level of pain at the end of the study, or the detection of polyps. The degree of difficulty was slightly lower in group II, but with no statistical significance.Lubrication with oil during colonoscopy did not improve the number of complete colonoscopies, did not facilitate the study, nor did it reduce pain or increase the diagnostic performance of the study, when compared with the conventional technique.

SUMMARY We previously described autoantibodies against a UGA serine tRNA–protein complex (tRNP(Ser)Sec) in patients with type-1 autoimmune hepatitis [1] and now define the specificity and frequency of this autoantibody and the DNA sequence encoding the tRNA(Ser)Sec-associated antigenic protein. The presence of anti-tRNP(Ser)Sec antibodies was highly specific for type-1 autoimmune hepatitis, as 47·5% of patients were positive compared with none of the control subjects. To characterize the antigenic protein(s), we immunoscreened a human cDNA library with anti-tRNP(Ser)Sec-positive sera. Two clones (19 and 13) were isolated. Clone 19 encodes a protein with a predicted molecular mass of 48·8 kD. Clone 13 is a shorter cDNA, almost identical to clone 19, which encodes a 35·9-kD protein. Expression of both cDNAs was accomplished in Escherichia coli as His-tagged recombinant proteins. Antibodies eluted from both purified recombinant proteins were able to immunoprecipitate the tRNA(Ser)Sec from a HeLa S3 cell extract, demonstrating their cross-reactivity with the mammalian antigenic complex. Recent cloning data relating to the target antigen(s) of autoantibodies in autoimmune hepatitis patients that react with a soluble liver antigen (SLA) and a liver-pancreas antigen (LP) have revealed that these two autoantibodies are identical and that the cloned antigen shows 99% amino acid sequence homology with tRNP(Ser)Sec.

SUMMARY We report a patient with reticular dysgenesis (RD) who received an HLA-identical marrow graft and remained free of infection in spite of incomplete haematological recovery. Mixed chimerism was achieved and resulted from the presence of autologous B cells and monocytes and grafting of donor T cells. Granulocyte recovery was impaired. The B cells were CD5+ (B1 cells) and appeared to be functional, since serum immunoglobulin levels became normal after the graft. The findings described here suggest that in some cases the defect selectively affects different cell types, including the more abundant leucocyte populations, granulocytes and T lymphocytes. However, B cells and monocytes appear to be relatively spared in this case of RD. Furthermore, the present case may provide insight into the mechanism involved in the expansion of distinct B cell subpopulations (B1 and B2 cells).

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a locally aggressive skin tumor that affects young and middle-aged adults. A number of histological variants have been described, the myxoid type being one of the least common. Microscopically it is formed of a neoplastic growth that is located in the dermis and hypodermis and has a predominant myxoid component. Peripherally there are infiltrating bundles of spindle-shaped cells that are diffusely positive for the CD34 immunohistochemical marker. We report a case of myxoid dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans on a finger of the left hand of a 14-year-old girl. The tumor had been present for at least 10 years. This is the first pediatric case of myxoid dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans at this site. This histological subtype has mainly been described on the extremities in adults and is very rare in children. We discuss the differential diagnosis with other CD34(+) myxoid mesenchymal tumors.

The objectives of this epidemiological, prospective study were to describe the characteristics of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in heart transplant (HT) recipients and to identify the variables that may influence the development of CMV viremia and CMV disease in these patients.HT recipients ≥18 years of age (n=199) were included in the study. Variables studied included CMV serostatus, immunosuppressive treatment, and administration of anti-CMV prophylaxis.The mean age of the population was 52 years, and 84% were males. Immunosuppressive regimens were administered as induction therapy to 92.5% of patients; 88.5% of patients received calcineurin inhibitors as maintenance therapy. Anti-CMV treatment was given to 59% of 199 patients as prophylaxis (70%), preemptive therapy (10%), or to treat CMV infection (20%). Overall, 43% of patients had at least 1 positive viremia test. No patient with a high-risk serostatus (donor+/recipient-) receiving prophylaxis developed CMV syndrome, and only 2.5% of 199 patients developed CMV invasive disease. Multivariate analysis showed that having a positive donor CMV serostatus was associated with an increased risk of developing CMV viremia (P0.012), while use of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors was associated with a decreased risk (P=0.005).In a population of HT recipients, the CMV infection rate was similar to that seen in previous studies, but the progression to overt CMV disease was very low. Having a CMV-positive donor was identified as an independent risk factor for developing CMV viremia, while the use of mTOR inhibitors was protective against viremia.

Although Candida albicans (CA) is the most common cause of Candida bloodstream Infections (BSIs), recent studies have observed an Increasing percentage of candidaemias caused by non-albicans Candida species (NAC). In the present study, we attempted to identify the predictors of candidaemia due to NAC compared to CA. We analyzed data from an active population-based surveillance in Barcelona (Spain) from January 2002 to December 2003. Factors associated with NAC fungaemia were determined by multivariate analysis. A total of 339 episodes of Candida BSI, in 336 patients (median age 63 years, interquartile range: 41–72 years), were included. CA was the most commonly isolated (52%), followed by Candida parapsilosis (23%), Candida tropicalis (10%), Candida glabrata (8.6%), Candida krusei (3.4%) and other NAC spp. (3%). Overall, 48% of cases were due to NAC spp. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with a risk of BSI due to NAC spp.: having received a haematologic transplant (OR 10.8; 95% CI 1.31–90.01; p 0.027), previous fluconazole exposure (OR 4.47; 95% CI 2.12–9.43; p

Summary Eight patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who were in clinical remission but showed residual masses after therapy were examined with magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T at the end of therapy, with the sequences TR/TE:500/35,500/70,2000/35 and 2000/70. Residual masses were found in lymphoid areas (7), spleen (3) and kidney (1). In three patients, T2 showed high signal intensity. Disease progressed in the following 1-3 months and active lymphoma was histologically identified. In the other five patients, T2 showed a very low signal intensity. One of them had a distant relapse in lymphoid areas but the remaining four patients are asymptomatic after a mean follow-up time of 13 months, suggesting that the lymphoma is cured and the mass inactive. We conclude that magnetic resonance imaging seems to distinguish active from non-active residual masses after treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients otherwise in clinical remission.

Absolute priority in an LDKT programme are donnor safety and kidney optimal anatomical and functional preservation. Reduced donnor morbidities, both at short and long term, are important objectives. Excellent technical grafting is a must as are the strategies employed for facilitatig it. We revised the incidences of our whole LDKT programme (40 years 243 donors) to confirm if these exigences have been acomplished or a change to new surgical procedures is recommended.Between 1968-2008 243 nephrectomies and grafting has been performed, a reduced number per year (A cadaver programme has been running simultaneously since 1964). For the nephrectomies a Turner-Warrick apprach was inititialy used and since 1973 a miniincisional, anterior, extraperitoneal approach of approximately 10 cm in length. The right kidney was removed in 75% of the cases and the right iliac area for the implant in 85% In adjacent opperating rooms, one team performs the nephrectomy while the other prepares and dissects free the grafting vessels. Most of the time the same senior surgeon performed both operatios: the nephrectomy and the implant. Peroperative and postoperative complications were evaluated by urologists and nephrologists in charge.No donors dead, organs lost or major complications in the donors have been documented. Minor complications such as intestinal paresia, wound infection, persistent incisional pain were common. Miniincisional abdominal approach reduced postoperative pain and hospital stay (4 days). At long term no incisional hernia or abdominal paresia have been documented. Simultaneous work reduces ischemia time (30-45 s warm: 30-45 min cold) and opperatig room occupation(patient preparation plus anesthesia plus operation) estimated in 90-120 min for the nephrectomy and 120-160 for the grafting. The responsibility of the senior surgeon in both procedures facilitates vessel selection for the grafting.No reasons have been found to reconvert our current nephrectomy procedure to laparoscopic or modify current surgical strategy. Superior safety of open surgery for donors and organs is confirmed. Pain and recovery time are reduced in laparoscopic surgery but not as much when compared with miniincisional approach. Open surgery permits optimal anatomical and functional organ extration facilitatig the quality of the implant. As numbers matter in laparoscopic surgery open nephrectomy is recommended for reduced LDKT programmes.

BackgroundThe electronic Schizophrenia Treatment Adherence Registry (e-STAR) is a prospective, observational study of patients with schizophrenia designed to evaluate long-term treatment outcomes in routine clinical practice.MethodsParameters were assessed at baseline and at 3 month intervals for 2 years in patients initiated on risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) (n= 1345) or a new oral antipsychotic (AP) (n= 277; 35.7% and 36.5% on risperidone and olanzapine, respectively) in Spain. Hospitalization prior to therapy was assessed by a retrospective chart review.ResultsAt 24 months, treatment retention (81.8% for RLAI versus 63.4% for oral APs,p< 0.0001) and reduction in Clinical Global Impression Severity scores (−1.14 for RLAI versus −0.94 for APs,p= 0.0165) were significantly higher with RLAI. Compared to the pre-switch period, RLAI patients had greater reductions in the number (reduction of 0.37 stays per patient versus 0.2,p< 0.05) and days (18.74 versus 13.02,p< 0.01) of hospitalizations at 24 months than oral AP patients.ConclusionsThis 2 year, prospective, observational study showed that, compared to oral antipsychotics, RLAI was associated with better treatment retention, greater improvement in clinical symptoms and functioning, and greater reduction in hospital stays and days in hospital in patients with schizophrenia. Improved treatment adherence, increased efficacy and reduced hospitalization with RLAI offer the opportunity of substantial therapeutic improvement in schizophrenia.

Granular parakeratosis is a rare entity that results from an acquired disorder of keratinization. Clinically presents as dark erythematous plaques, occasionally pruritic, that usually involve the axilla and other intertriginous areas. The pathology is characteristic and consists of thickening of the stratum corneum with compact parakeratosis and retention of keratohyaline granules, whereas the stratum granulosum is preserved. The etiology is unknown although some factors such as irritating physical or chemical agents have been implicated. Treatment response is variable. We report a new case in a 50-year-old woman with brownish and hyperkeratotic plaques on both axillae, of two years duration, with a compatible pathology that showed a favorable response to tacalcitol.

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a dermatomyopathy with a broad spectrum of features, defined by Bohan et al as an objective set of clinical and laboratory criteria. Dermatomyositis has been associated with extracutaneous neoplasias, especially with ovarian carcinoma. The termpunctate keratodermacomprises a group of diseases with different etiologies characterized by small hyperkeratotic lesions usually scattered in palms and soles. Punctate porokeratotic keratoderma (PPK) is a type of punctate keratoderma mainly defined by its peculiar histological features, including the presence of cornoid lamella similar to the one observed in porokeratosis. Punctate porokeratotic keratoderma has been considered a sporadic disease although some rare paraneoplastic cases have been published. We report for the first time a case of dermatomyositis with typical features of punctate porokeratotic keratoderma, both as paraneoplastic presentation of ovarian carcinoma. Its paraneoplastic nature is clearly demonstrated by the clinical improvement observed following tumor excision.

Follicular keratosis may be a rare paraneoplastic disease having unknown etiopathogeny that is sometimes associated to myeloma whose diagnosis and evolution follow a parallel course. We describe the case of a 57-year-old female patient diagnosed of multiple myeloma 8 years ago. She developed generalized follicular hyperkeratotic spicules coinciding with leukemization of the myeloma.

We report the case of a 13 year-old male with bilateral optic neuritis after meningococcal C vaccination. He was treated with intravenous corticosteroids, but only showed visual recovery in one eye. A significant limitation of his sharp vision remained in his other eye.There have been no previously reported cases of optic neuritis after meningococcal C vaccination and for this reason we have reported this case. It is not possible, however, to exclude some other factor in the etiology of the optic neuritis, but the temporal relationship between the neuritis and the vaccination suggests this was the cause.

The addition of typical and atypical antipsychotics in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) resistant to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI) has been reported as a useful augmentation strategy. Although antipsychotic monotherapy has been associated with ineffectiveness and even increase of psychotic symptoms (especially in psychotic patients), antipsychotics as concomitant medications have proven to be effective in several case series and pilot clinical trials. The objective of this case series was to evaluate effectiveness of risperidone as add on therapy to current SRIs treatment in OCD refractory to treatment patients.Risperidone add on therapy in moderate and severe treatment resistant OCD patients was reviewed. Case reports were patients fulfilling the following criteria: a) treatment follow-up of at least 12 weeks; b) SRI adequate doses, y c) Y-BOCS score higher than 16 score before starting treatment. A three month follow-up period was reviewed. Risperidone starting dose was low (mean 1.5 mg/day) and was increased following clinical criteria. Therapeutic response and tolerability were evalated with the following scales: Y-BOCS, CGI of change, UKU (neurological subscale) and spontaneous reported adverse events. Response criteria were the following: at least 35% of reduction in Y-BOCS from basal score and final score less than 16 and CGI-C "much improved" or "very much improved" (score 1 or 2). Intention to treat analysis was performed (patients who reported at least one risperidone dose and effectiveness measure).31 patients had at least one effectiveness evaluation and 21/31 patients (67.8 %) were considered treatment responders. Mean risperidone dose was 3.8 mg/day. In general, risperidone was well tolerated: serious or unexpected adverse event were not reported.Risperidone as add on therapy to SRI in moderate-severe, refractory to treatment OCD patients, may be an effective and safe strategy.

A group of 54 renal calculi were spontaneously passed renal stone after a nephritic colic. Two groups of calculi were found: papillary and non-papillary calculi. All calculi were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and electronic microscopy scan (EMS) and EDAX. When the stones were analyzed with EDAX, elements such as C, N, O, Na, S, Mg, Al, Si, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn were detected. The possible origin of these elements is discussed in this work.

To assess the usefulness of adrenal scintigraphy for clinical evaluation of adrenal incidentalomas, and its relation with pathological diagnosis and follow-up.We have studied 46 patients with unilateral adrenal incidentaloma of size between 10 and 100 mm (average 30.5 +/- 19 mm). The lesions were discovered with abdominal computerized tomography in the study of a primary tumor (22%) or in the evaluation of benign pathology (78%). Adrenal scintigraphy assessed uptake in adrenal incidentaloma. Hormonal study included urinary catecholamines, plasma cortisol after dexamethasone, adrenal androgens, and renin and aldosterone in hypertensive patients. Five patients were operated, FNAB was carried out in three patients, and in the rest average follow-up was 29 +/- 21 months. Adrenal incidentaloma was considered nonfunctional if the lesion did not modified its size nor showed analytical alterations along a follow-up higher than 8 months.Of 46 adrenal lesions, seven didn't show uptake (three metastases, one cyst, one adrenal carcinoma, one pheochromocytoma, and one angiomyolipoma), 34 showed excessive uptake (29 nonfunctional adrenal nodules and 5 hyperfunctional adrenal nodules), and five had normal uptake (nonfunctional adrenal nodules). Adrenal scintigraphy was compatible in all cases with cytological study or the response to chemotherapy. Along the follow-up, growth of the lesion was demonstrated in 23%, and reduction or disappearance of the lesion in 11%, with no hormonal significant changes.Detection of a lesion with no uptake in adrenal scintigraphy forces to carry out complementary explorations in order to rule out malignant pathology. A lesion with excessive uptake is indicative of a benign process and should be assessed with hormonal determinations.

Acute arsenic toxicity is a multisystemic disease with pleural and pericardial effusions, gastrointestinal symptoms and pancytopenia. The most frequent neurological complication of inorganic arsenic intoxication is a distal symmetrical polyneuropathy.We report here a patient who developed a systemic illness followed with severe acute polyneuropathy. Electrophysiological findings suggested a Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Finally an acute encephalopathy appeared which led to reconsideration of the diagnosis. A 24-hour heavy metal urine, nail and hair analysis was performed. A diagnosis of arsenic toxicity was made. Instead of chelating therapy patient died due to respiratory failure.A misdiagnosis of GBS in inorganic arsenic polyneuropathy is not infrequent. Atypical progression compels to rule out arsenic or heavy metal intoxication. In our case the appearance of the encephalopathy was the key to the diagnosis. It has been suggested that axonal degeneration and segmental demyelination might be equally prominent pathological features of the neuropathy, depending on the dosage and the length of time of exposure to arsenic. The exact pathophysiology of arsenic polyneuropathy remains unclear and a interference with pyruvate oxidation has been postulated.

Extramammary Paget's disease of the glans penis secondary to transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder is rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. We report two new cases, one detected before diagnosing bladder TCC.We describe the clinicopathologic features of two patients with intraepithelial spread of glans TCC and the histochemical and immunohistochemical features of the neoplasm.Light microscopy detected intraepithelial proliferation of neoplastic, large, pale cells located predominantly in the basal and parabasal layers of the epithelium. The pagetoid cells showed positive cytoplasmic staining for mucosubstances and immunoreactivity for CK20. The previously reported cases are reviewed and the differential diagnosis is discussed.As many benign and malignant glans lesions may be clinically similar, histologic study is necessary to correctly diagnose primary lesions and promptly detect underlying asymptomatic visceral malignancies initially presenting as Paget's disease.

To study whether any relationship exists between the C282Y and H63D mutations of the HFE gene, iron liver content, and the severity of histological damage in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced chronic hepatitis.In 72 patients diagnosed with HCV-chronic infection, naïve for antiviral therapy, and undergoing liver biopsy, the Knodell index was established, a morphometric evaluation of hepatic hemosiderin deposits was performed by using a semiautomatic method of image analysis, and mutations of the HFE gene were identified through a polymerase chain reaction on leukocyte genomic DNA by using specific restriction enzymes. The control group for the distribution of HFE genetic variants was composed of 181 healthy individuals with the same ethnic and geographical (white Spaniards) origin.(Cases/controls): 1. Genotype distribution: a) mutation C282Y: no homozygotes, 6/23 heterozygotes, 66/158 without the mutation (not significant, n.s.); b) mutation H63D: 2/5 homozygotes, 26/52 heterozygotes, 44/124 without the mutation (n.s.). compound heterozygotes 2/6. 2. Allele frequencies: a) mutation C282Y: 0.042/0.064 (n.s.); b) mutation H63D: 0.208/0.171 (n.s.). Four C282Y heterozygous patients had stainable liver iron (p=0.015 vs patients without mutations). Sixty-six patients were not carriers of the C282Y mutation; among them, 26.9% of 26 carriers and 15% of 40 non-carriers of the H63D mutation had liver stainable iron (n.s.). Knodell index score, gender, age at diagnosis, mode of transmission, and serum and liver iron values were not related to the HFE genotype.our results suggest that the C282Y mutation, but not the H63D mutation, of the HFE gene is frequently associated with stainable iron in the liver in HCV-related chronic hepatitis. The HFE genotype is not related to the histological severity of the disease.

Summary Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a condition of unknown aetiology that has been frequently reported involving the stomach and bowel. The colon is rarely cited as a site for the condition. We report a patient suffering from allergic symptoms (asthma, atopic dermatitis, elevated serum IgE levels) who presented with colonic perforation due to eosinophilic colitis with necrotizing granulomas.

We report here the sequence of an HLA B*15 allele, B*1573. Initially, a cord blood unit from the Umbilical Cord Bank of Barcelona was typed by sequence-specific oligonucleotide hybridization and revealed an unusual hybridization pattern. After the cloning, the sequence-based typing assigned two different alleles: B*07021, and a second allele identical to B*1558 in exons 2 and 3, except for a single nucleotide substitution in exon 3, which changed codon 140 from Phe to Leu (TTX--TTA).

We report a novel HLA-B*41 allele (HLA-B*4106) initially detected by an unusual sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) hybridization pattern and identified by sequence-based HLA typing. Molecular cloning and sequencing determined that the new HLA-B allele was identical to the HLA-B*4101 in exon 2 and 3 except for a single nucleotide substitution in the exon 3 changing codon 204 from Glu to Gln (GAG--CAG). In addition, intron 2 was identical to the published HLA-B*4104 intron 2, except for the base 509 (C--G).

To analyze current clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of uric acid lithiasis. The role of helical CT in its diagnosis, ESWL and alkalinization in its treatment, and metabolic and crystalographic analyses are discussed.The incidence of uric acid calculi is estimated to be from 5% to 7% in the Lithiasis-Lithotripsy Unit of the Jiménez Díaz Foundation. The diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities of helical CT and ESWL are illustrated in a case of complex bilateral renal uric acid staghorn stone.Ultrasound and endoscopic uroradiology are fundamental in the diagnosis of radiotransparent obstructive bilateral renal stone. Ureteral catheterization was warranted due to the anuresis that resulted from bilateral obstructive renal failure. Stone dissolution combined with ESWL achieved rapid resolution of the large calculi.Helical CT without contrast enhancement should be performed along with the conventional urological diagnostic tests for ureteral lithiasis, especially in patients with renal colic. Although urinary alkalinization is the conventional treatment for uric acid stones, ESWL permits faster resolution in large, obstructive or ureteral stones in patients with renal colic. Complete assessment of patients with uric acid calculi includes metabolic and crystalographic analyses.

Today, the issue about kidney and ureteral stone and their management is based on ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) like singly or as a part of combination therapy. In some cases, endoscopic procedures (URS, PNL) with contact lithotripsy, is the first-line treatment. Retroperitoneoscopic is a therapeutical option in some hospitals. Open stone surgery is now drastically reducing and the endoscopic and extracorporeal methods are increasing, overcoat ESWL in those hospitals who has an own lithotripter. The optimal results of non-invasive procedures, and the ESWL advantages for the patients (outpatient and anesthesia-free treatment, decreased morbidity,...), has caused limited annual indications of open surgery for stone disease even a complete disappearance in many center.The Stone and Lithotripsy Unit of "Jiménez Díaz" Foundation (FJD) (Madrid), who has an own lithotipter (Modulith SL 20, STORZ) make an evaluation of 54 patients treated with open surgery (1990-2000) in order to reflect on the indications. Nephrectomy for serious paremquimal lithiasic lesions (complicated pyelonefhritis, xantogranulomatosis....) is not included.The open surgery techniques for stone diseases were the classic according to every case: pielolithotomy (simple or extended +/- infundibulolithotomy), anatrophic nephrotomy, ureterolithotomy,.... At the same time it should be resolved those anomalous structures or obstruction associated to the stone disease (congenital hydroneprosis, ureterocele,...).Now days are difficult cases of stone diseases to be managed for any methods included open surgery. It's the renal complex stone. Of course, surgery is the best option, the more effectively choice. When endoscopic procedures (URS, NPL) fall and the stone is synthomatic must be operated. When they are serious situation (septic shock, complications derived from the others methods,...). It's necessary an urgent and effectively treatment and it's the open surgery.Open surgery is actually indicated for the complex renal stone and the complicated ureteral stone. So, the training on open surgery should be at the same time on the endoscopic, laparoscopic or extracorporeal. Open surgery will be the first-line treatment in some case. Open surgery should be considered in those urgent situation and will be done with skill and precision.

Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of skin is a rare but distinctive neoplasm that usually exhibits an aggressive course. To date, 13 well-documented and undisputed cases of primary cutaneous ASC have been reported. This term has been used for tumors with better prognosis, such as mucoepidermoid carcinomas and acantolytic squamous cell carcinomas, originating confusion. We report a primary cutaneous ASC and review the literature.In this report a woman with primary ASC of the skin was studied. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical stains were performed.The tumor had two components: conventional squamous cell carcinoma merging with adenocarcinoma. After a local recurrence and lymph node metastases, the patient has no evidence of disease 8 months later.Pathologists should reserve the term ASC for tumors exhibiting the above mentioned appearance. In such circumstances, a metastatic origin must always be excluded.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (AC) is a rare neoplasm, usually considered one of the most morbid and lethal human tumors. It occurs primarily in children and young adults and often presents with advanced and/or metastatic disease.A 9-year-old boy with a previous diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) for preoperative investigation of a hepatic mass. All smears revealed abundant groups of cells surrounding an interconnective, thin-walled, central vascular core. These cells showed finely vacuolated, large cytoplasm with eccentrically placed nuclei. Occasionally, cells underwent a sudden, marked increase in size, with prominent atypia. Multinucleated, atypical giant cells and high mitotic rate were also evident. The cytologic findings resembled the previous histologic adrenocortical carcinoma features.The cytologic features of metastatic hepatic adrenocortical carcinoma may mimic those of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the presence of atypical multinucleated and pleomorphic cells with microvacuolated cytoplasm and eccentric nuclei as well as the absence of naked nuclei and endothelial linings yield the diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma. Nevertheless, other space-occupying liver lesions in children must also be considered. This case demonstrates the usefulness of CT-localized FNA biopsy in hepatic masses in children, and discusses the possible cytologic differential diagnosis.

To report a case of TURP syndrome and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis.A case of reabsorption syndrome in a patient that underwent transurethral resection under spinal anesthesia is presented.Reabsorption syndrome (TURP syndrome) is manifested by neurological and hemodynamic changes resulting from absorption of irrigating fluid used during transurethral resection of the prostate. This complication presented in a patient undergoing elective surgery and with no additional risk factors.Since it is impossible to prevent this complication of TUR, spinal anesthesia should be utilized whenever possible because it permits early detection before important complications develop.

Nicotine is a cholinergic agonist that also has a presynaptic effect in releasing acetylcholine. In animal model has been shown to reverse spatial memory deficits produced by lesions in the medial septal nucleus of rats, and in aged monkeys nicotine administration improves memory and alertness to visual stimuli. Observational studies have claimed a protective effect of smoking against Alzheimer's disease (AD), but recent studies have called this into question. Smoking is a risk factor for stroke and so, possibly, for vascular dementia. Because nicotine has adverse effects, it is important to conduct a systematic review to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of nicotine for patients with AD OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nicotine, administered in any way or form, for people with Alzheimer's disease.The trials were identified from a search of the Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group on 24 January 2001 using the term nicotine.All unconfounded, double-blind, randomized trials in which treatment with nicotine patches or administration of nicotine intravenously or in any other way or form was administered for more than a day and compared with placebo for people with Alzheimer's disease.The one included trial did not present results suitable for inclusion in the review.The poor quality of trials did not allow any synthesis of data across studies.This review is not able to provide any evidence that nicotine is a useful treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

Background Nicotine is a cholinergic agonist that acts, not only post-synaptically, but also releases pre-synaptic acetylcholine, and in animal models has been shown to reverse spatial memory decline in rats with lesion in the medial septal nucleus and to show recovery on memory in aged monkeys. Nicotine also has effects on other transmitters like serotonin (5HT), dopamine, or GABA. On the other hand, because nicotine has serious adverse effects, especially concerning cardiovascular risks in elderly people, and also on sleep and behavior, there are several important reasons to conduct a systematic review to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of nicotine in patients with AD. Objectives The aim of this review is to determine whether there is evidence of beneficial effect, and to assess its safety profile, when nicotine is used for Alzheimer's disease. Search strategy The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 2, 99) was searched using the terms nicotin* and alzheimer*. Three references to trials were deemed suitable for inclusion but are awaiting consideration while the investigators are contacted. Selection criteria All unconfounded, double-blind, randomized trials in which treatment with nicotine patches or administration of nicotine intravenously was administered for more than a day and compared to placebo in people with Alzheimer's disease. Data collection and analysis As no trials were suitable for inclusion, no data have been extracted or pooled in a meta-analysis. One trial is awaiting consideration, and if included in an update of this review, any available data will be incorporated. Main results The poor quality of the trials did not allow any synthesis of results across studies. However, the data available in trials considered are compatible with nicotine producing harm, no change or improvement. Reviewer's conclusions This review is not able to provide reliable evidence that nicotine is a useful treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

To analyze the prevalence of infection, the frequency of HCV genotypes and the epidemiology characteristics among the patients in hemodialysis treatment in one 25 years old hospital hemodialysis center and one 15 years old secondary unit by a transversal cross-section study in 1998.171 hemodialyzed-patients were studied. Patients sera were analyzed by the presence of HCV antibodies anti-VHC by a enzymoimmunoassay (Abbott Cientifica) and the presence of antibodies was confirmed by a line immunoassay (Inno-LIA HCV AbIII) and by the presence of VHC-RNA by reverse transcriptase PCR (Cobas Amplicor HCV). Genotypes were determinate by reverse hybridization (Inno-LIA HCV III).Fifty (29.2%) of the patients were HCV antibody positive. Forty-five (26.3%) were HCV-RNA positive, all of them with antibodies positive. The distribution of genotypes was: 1b, 34 (75.5%); 4f, 4 (8.9%); 1a, 3 (6.7%); 1, 3 (6.7%) and 1 case could not be typed (2.2%). In 14 patients (28.0%), seroconversions were documented Twenty-one patients (42.0%) were diagnosed when the routine tests were available and 15 patients (30.0%) were diagnosed pre-dialysis. The multivariate analysis showed that the risk of HCV infection was greater for patients who had been more 8 years on dialysis (OR: 6.22; 95% CI: 1.24-31.07).Data presented indicate that the prevalence of HCV infections in our hemodialysis units and the number of seroconversions were high and the HCV subtype 1b was more frequent; because of this, the screening by both serological and molecular methods is necessary, at least twice a year, to identify all the infected patients. Besides, we think that is necessary to increase the control of the completion of the Universal Precautions.

Patients with pericardial teratomas usually present shortly after birth with cardiorespiratory distress or in utero with hydrops fetalis. We report a case in which the tumor was diagnosed in utero using sonography during a routine obstetric examination. Sonograms showed a 3-cm echogenic mass compressing the right atrium. The lesion was inhomogeneous with solid and cystic areas. The fetus was followed to term, and additional radiologic studies were performed before the infant underwent surgery. Prenatal identification of a pericardial teratoma is essential for planning fetal management and delivery and potential prenatal surgery.

In Puerto Rico, it has been established that although coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death, the population has a lower incidence of coronary disease than the continental United States. In addition, the severity of the disease is less aggressive in terms of a lower incidence of ventricular tachycardia and sudden death. A factor in the lower incidence of coronary disease in Puerto Rico could be a lower total plasma homocysteine concentration (tHcys) in our population.We randomly measured tHcys concentrations in seventy-two Hispanic patients who were hospitalized for coronary angiography at the Cardiovascular Center of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean (UPR Division).The mean tHCys concentration in our patient population is similar than that reported for the Framingham study when adjusted by age (11.2 mumol/L vs. 11.8 mumol/L). In the Puerto Rican population, males had a higher tHcys concentration than females but this difference was not statistically significant (10.9 mumol/L vs. 9.4 mumol/L, p = 0.09). In addition, we did not see an increase of tHcys concentrations in diabetic patients when compared with nondiabetics (10.1 mumol/L vs. 10.3 mumol/L, p = 0.73). Neither we saw a direct correlation between tHcys concentrations and atherosclerosis as measured by coronary angiography (normal = 10.9 mumol/L, mild = 8.6 mumol/L, moderate = 10.9 mumol/L, severe = 10.5 mumol/L; ANOVA = 0.29).These results suggest that tHcys concentration is not a good predictor of atherosclerotic coronary disease in our patient population.

Moyamoya disease is generally considered to be paediatric cerebrovascular pathology, but in some cases the symptoms are seen in adults. Primary intraventricular hemorrhage, as a consequence of this disorder, is rare. One should be clear as to the diagnostic and neuroimaging criteria of 'definite moyamoya disease'.A 52 year old man with a family history of two brothers having died of hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accidents and a personal history of headaches for many years and arterial hypertension. He was sent to us with stroke, headache, neck stiffness+4, disorientation in time and space and stuporous. On cranial CAT scan a small left intraventricular subependymal hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage were seen. Cerebral angiography showed the angiographic pattern of moyamoya disease and the arterial circulation of the posterior territory was highly developed and thus supplemented the blood supply to the brain.In few of the rare occurrence of this disorder in our setting and as a cause of primary intraventricular hemorrhage, we reviewed certain neuroradiological peculiarities of interest, such as the evolution, diagnostic criteria, angiographic classification and differential diagnosis of the moyamoya syndrome in relation to our case.