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We evaluated the use of autologus bone marrow stem cells transplantation in patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI) not eligible for revascularization. Eighty consecutive patients candidate to amputation were enrolled in a single-centre retrospective study. The primary endpoint was defined as the amputation-free rate from stem cells transplantation. Secondary endpoints were the evaluation of transcutaneous oximetry and its predictive potential for probability of amputation and the evaluation of rest pain. Ankle brachial index, transcutaneous oxygen (TcpO2) and radiological imaging were performed at the enrolment and during the follow-up times. All patients were treated with auto transplant of bone marrow stem cells. Two patients died due to acute renal and acute respiratory failures. 19 patients were amputated from the thigh or leg. In total, 59 of 80 patients intended to thigh amputation saved the limb, preserving the plantar support. TcpO2 was found a predictive metric with an AUC equal to.763, and a threshold for a risk of amputation of 10% and 5% at the values ≤22.7 and ≤26.9 mmHg, respectively. Auto transplant of bone marrow stem cells seems to be a safe and an efficient option for CLI not eligible to revascularizzation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report their experience with a case of a voluminous malignant pleomorphic histiocytoma of the anterior abdominal wall occurring in an 81-year-old female patient. She presented with a one-year history of a non-painful, poorly mobile tumefaction which had grown in size over the 2 months prior to admission. A preoperative CT scan confirmed the presence of a 10-cm mass located in the anterior abdominal wall. The patient underwent resection of the tumour and was discharged on postoperative day 15. A 12-month follow-up has so far revealed no evidence of recurrence. The authors go on to examine the diagnostic and therapeutic treatments of these rare neoplasms with reference to the international scientific literature. They confirm the validity of radiotherapy but stress the elective role of surgical treatment.