Different placentation patterns in viable compared with nonviable tubal pregnancy suggest a divergent clinical management

OBJECTIVE

In contrast to tubal abortions, viable ectopic pregnancies in color Doppler ultrasonography exhibit a signal-intensive ring around the gestational sac. We investigated the underlying differences in implantation and placentation.

STUDY DESIGN

Histologic sections of fallopian tubes carrying viable tubal pregnancies (13 patients) and tubal pregnancies that aborted (8 patients) were immunostained for cytokeratin, MIB-1, CD-34, and CD-68. The data were studied by computer-aided image analysis followed by statistical evaluation (Student t test, P <.05).

RESULTS

In contrast to tubal abortions, viable tubal pregnancies are characterized by implantation at the mesosalpingial rather than at the antimesosalpingial side of the organ. They exhibit deeper trophoblast invasion into the thickened tubal wall, more intense trophoblast proliferation (P <.001), and increased villous vascularization (P <.001).

CONCLUSION

The morphologic findings correlate with preoperative Doppler ultrasonography. They suggest that trophoblast invasion, placental growth, and the fate of tubal pregnancies depend on the implantation site. They encourage a conservative management of anti-mesosalpingially implanted, nonviable ectopic pregnancies in clinically stable patients.

Elevated soluble adhesion molecules in women with pre-eclampsia. Do cytokines like tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta cause endothelial activation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical significance of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) for endothelial cell activation in pre-eclampsia. Therefore, we determined and compared the correlations between these cytokines and circulating adhesion molecules in the sera of pre-eclamptic pregnant women, normotensive pregnant women and nonpregnant women.

METHODS

The soluble adhesion molecules VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, and P-selectin were determined in the serum of 38 pre-eclamptic pregnant women and 40 normotensive pregnant and nonpregnant controls using ELISA-techniques. We correlated these serum concentrations with the serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, respectively, also determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

Elevated serum levels of VCAM-1 and E-selectin could be detected in pre-eclamptic patients, with and without HELLP-syndrome. In contrast, no increased serum concentration of ICAM-1, P-selectin, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were found in these patients. While significant correlation between VCAM-1 and E-selectin could be determined (r=0.604; p<0.001) no unambiguous correlations, however, were found between TNF-alpha or between IL-1beta and the examined adhesion molecules or the selectins.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to in vitro investigations on cultured umbilical vein endothelium, our experimental results indicate that the cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta can not explain endothelial cell activation, and that their measurement in serum is not useful for the detection of pre-eclampsia.

Expression and function of beta(1) and beta(3) integrins of human mesothelial cells in vitro

Mesothelial cells (MC) and extracellular matrix (ECM) components are thought to play a pivotal regulatory role during the inflammatory-reparative response of serosal membranes. Integrins are known to serve as cellular ECM receptors, but mesothelial integrin expression and its function, particularly its role for attachment to different ECM components, remain to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to characterize the integrin expression of human omentum majus derived MC (HOMC) in vitro by immunohistochemistry and to investigate their functional significance with regard to HOMC adhesion to fibronectin (fn), vitronectin (vn), collagen IV (coll IV), and laminin (ln). Mesothelial cells in vitro strongly expressed beta(1), beta(3), alpha(2), alpha(3), alpha(5), and alpha(v) chains. A weak reactivity was found for alpha(1) and alpha(6), but no alpha(4) reactivity was detectable. Compared to the control, fn, vn, coll IV, and ln caused a significant 2.6-, 2.2-, 2-, and 1.6-fold increase of HOMC adhesion, respectively. Inhibition studies revealed that HOMC attachment to fn is mediated by alpha(5)beta(1), alpha(v)beta(1), and alpha(v)beta(3), with a synergistic effect of alpha(5)beta(1) and alpha(v)beta(3). Adhesion to vn is mediated by alpha(v)beta(1) and alpha(v)beta(3). Integrins alpha(1)beta(1), alpha(2)beta(1), and alpha(3)beta(1) mediate adhesion to coll IV and ln. We suggest that the integrin expression and function of mesothelial cells described here play an important role in the interaction of MC with the ECM, particularly during the acute and chronic inflammatory-reparative response of serosal membranes.

Long-term extracorporeal bilirubin elimination: A case report on cascade resin plasmaperfusion

Acute hepatic failure develops as a disease entity of rather diverse origin. With disease progression, toxic bilirubin levels may cause severe complications which include AV-nodal blockage, cardiac arrhythmia, impaired consciousness, generalized seizures, and status epilepticus. Treatment choices to prevent clinical deterioration comprise of costly and limited available orthotopic liver transplantation, utilization of extracorporeal bioartificial liver support devices and haemoperfusion/plasmaperfusion treatment with activated charcoal/anion exchange filters. Here, we present a patient with acute drug-induced cholestatic hepatitis. Excessively elevated bilirubin levels were accompanied by cardiac and cerebral complications. Extracorporeal resin perfusion treatment (Plasorba, BR-350) was successfully performed over a 50-day period without activation of the coagulation system or side effects. Bilirubin levels were lowered to a minimum of 225 micromol/l, with concurrent clinical improvement. In conclusion, extracorporeal anion exchange plasmaperfusion may be a viable long-term treatment for hyperbilirubinaemic side effects in overt cholestatic hepatitis.

["Benign metastasizing leiomyoma"? A case report without evidence for unbalanced cytogenetic aberrations]

There are rare cases of histologically benign appearing uterine leiomyomas with subsequent development of multifocal extrauterine smooth muscle tumors, most often located in the lung. It remains unclear whether this evolves from a morphological innocent appearing low grade sarcoma or from proliferation of multifocal but autochtonous cellular foci. Frequently, and in part recurrent karyotypic abnormalities were described for leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas. Thus, we looked for imbalanced genetic aberrations in a case of a "benign metastasizing leiomyoma" by means of comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH). A 46-year-old female developed multiple bilateral lung nodules 4 years after hysterectomy. Fine needle biopsy of one nodule and subsequent resection of three lung nodules were performed. These and the hysterectomy specimen were investigated by histology, immunohistochemistry and CGH. Revision of the hysterectomy specimen revealed multiple leiomyomas without any evidence for malignancy. Lung nodules were composed of benign appearing smooth muscle cells with epithelial lined cleft-like spaces. Leiomyomata of the uterus and the lung showed a reactivity against actin, desmin, estrogen- and progesteron receptor antigens. DNA analysis by CGH revealed a normal karyotype without evidence for an imbalanced loss or gain of DNA. Recurrent cytogenetic alterations are common in uterine leiomyomas, most often del (7)(q11.2-22q31-32) and t(12;14)(q14-15; q23-24). Leiomyosarcomas display diverse karyotypic abnormalities, most often involving chromosomes 1, 7, 13 and 14. Thus, the missing karyotypic imbalance in the presented case favors a pathogenesis which is different from usual leiomyomas as well as leiomyosarcomas.

[Radical perineal prostatectomy without lymphadenectomy. Patients with cT1 + 2, G1 +2, PSA < or = 10 ng/ml prostate carcinoma]

Pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with organ confined prostate cancer (PCa) is of no therapeutic value and is questionable in many patients because of the low incidence of metastases. 49 patients with < or = cT2 b, G1 + 2, PSA < or = 10 ng/ml underwent laparocopic pelvine lymphadenectomy and radical perineal prostatectomy. Only 1 patient (2%) had microscopic metastases which were missed on frozen section. Because of these own results and those reported in the literature we then performed in patients with this constellation the radical perineal prostatectomy without lymphadenectomy (n = 32). The differences present in both groups concerning complication rate and morbidity are due to laparoscopic lymphadenectomy and the learning curve in perineal prostatectomy.

Diagnostic relevance of chromosomal in-situ hybridization in Merkel cell carcinoma: targeted interphase cytogenetic tumour analyses

AIMS

To resolve the conflicting diagnoses of five pathologists (which included well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma, malignant carcinoid, undifferentiated small-cell carcinoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumour, metastases of small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)), and tumour-free lungs after necropsy, we investigated an alarmingly metastasizing MCC in a 32-year-old Caucasian man using chromosomal in-situ hybridization (CISH). Differences in incidence and course in males and females also prompted targeted analyses for chromosomes X and Y. The lesion was also analysed for p53 gene mutations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Paraffin sections of the thorax, buccal lymph nodes and scalp tumours were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies against pancytokeratin, keratin 20, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), chromogranin, neurofilaments and vimentin, among others. Sections (5-6 microm) of the tumours were analysed with alpha-satellite probes for chromosomes 1, 6, 7, 11, 12, 17, 18, X and Y using CrSH; and exons 5-9 of the p53 gene were examined by polymerase chain reaction and single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) methods. Although positive for pancytokeratin, keratin 20, chromogranin, NSE, synaptophysin and vimentin, the similarity in antigen profiles expressed by SCLC and MCC prevented a definitive tumour diagnosis. Chromosomal in-situ hybridization, however, revealed trisomies 1 and 11, two frequent aberrations in MCC, and trisomy 18. Moreover, 71% of the tumour cells had two to three copies of X, whereas 98% of the cell nuclei in the hair follicles and normal epidermis (purported Merkel cell origins) displayed one X chromosome. No mutations were detected in the five exons of the p53 gene examined.

CONCLUSIONS

Had CISH been performed earlier, treatment may have been tailored specifically to suit MCC, since MCC and SCLC have different therapeutic strategies. Finally, chromosome X may be of prognostic relevance in MCC, which apparently predominates in females and yet shows poorer prognosis in males, and hence be worthy of further investigation.

Severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to Mycobacterium avium complex in a patient receiving immunosuppressive therapy

Intense immunosuppressive therapy is used frequently for treatment of systemic vasculitides, collagenoses, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, and after organ transplantation. Numerous serious treatment-related side effects include localized or disseminated opportunistic infections, and require careful monitoring of immunosuppressed patients. Gastrointestinal infections with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) or other nontuberculous mycobacteria have been previously identified in HIV seropositive patients only. We now report the first case of an HIV seronegative patient who received immunosuppressive therapy for rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. The patient presented with severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding and was diagnosed to have ulcerative colitis due to infection with MAC. The patient recovered promptly after administration of antimycobacterial therapy. MAC infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding in all immunodeficient patients. The significance of repeated colonoscopy to obtain multiple biopsy specimens with histological examination for foam cells and specific staining for acid-fast organisms is emphasized.

The role of soluble adhesion molecules in evaluating endothelial cell activation in preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

Adhesion molecules, such as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, are known to be increased in the serum of patients with preeclampsia, indicating that these molecules are possible markers of endothelial cell activation. We investigated the influence of serum from women with preeclampsia on the expression of adhesion molecules by cultured endothelial cells.

STUDY DESIGN

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured in Ham/Iscove modified Dulbecco's medium containing 20% pooled human serum, l -glutamine (200 mmol/L), penicillin, and streptomycin. We stimulated these cells for 24 hours with sera from patients with preeclampsia and then determined the levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1, E-selectin, and P-selectin in the supernatant and in the maternal serum by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These results were compared with those of sera obtained from normotensive pregnant and nonpregnant women. In addition, the expressions of these adhesion molecules on the endothelial surface were determined by immunofluo-rescence microscopy.

RESULTS

Only for vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and E-selectin were elevated plasma levels found in hypertensive patients, whereas intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 and P-selectin showed similar plasma levels in all the patients. No differences in the levels of the adhesion molecules were found between the supernatants of endothelial cell cultures after stimulation with sera from patients with preeclampsia and those after stimulation with normotensive control sera. In contrast, with immunofluorescence microscopy we could detect higher amounts of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1, and E-selectin on the endothelial surface after stimulation with sera from women with preeclampsia.

CONCLUSION

Although vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and E-selectin were elevated in maternal serum samples from women with preeclampsia and on the endothelial surface after stimulation with such sera, there were no detectable increases in the levels of both of these adhesion molecules in the supernatant of cultured endothelial cells. We therefore assume that sera from women with preeclampsia may cause endothelial cell activation. Because we could not detect elevated concentrations of any of the investigated adhesion molecules in the supernatant of endothelial cells, we believe that factors other than sera from women with preeclampsia seem to play a major role in the release of soluble forms of adhesion molecules from the endothelial membrane.

Pressure oscillation regulates human mesangial cell growth and collagen synthesis

Experimental renal disease models establish glomerular hypertension as a crucial determinant in glomerulosclerosis progression and demonstrate that glomerular capillary pressure reduction delays sclerosis development. An oscillating pressure (OP) chamber was constructed as an in vitro model to study human mesangial cells. Cell cultures were grown under atmospheric pressure (AP) and a controlled OP corresponding to intraglomerular capillary pressure. We show that OP significantly decreases mesangial cell proliferation within 24 hours and attenuates DNA synthesis throughout a 7-day period. To explore the effects of OP on cell metabolism, cell-associated and medium-secreted extracellular (CA and EC, respectively) collagen synthesis were measured by [3H]proline incorporation. In subconfluent cultures, total CA and EC collagen synthesis was unaffected by OP, while in confluent cultures total EC collagen [3H]proline incorporation was increased. To determine whether OP influenced mesangial cell growth induction, the effects of increasing glucose in the cell culture media were investigated. Our data show that the high glucose growth stimulatory effect on cell number and DNA synthesis was suppressed by OP. Under high glucose conditions, total CA collagen synthesis was increased in confluent cultures, whereas the EC collagen fraction remained unchanged. In these cultures, OP caused an additional increase in CA collagen synthesis. This study shows that mesangial cell growth and collagen synthesis are influenced by hyperbaric OP, supporting the hypothesis that glomerular capillary pressure plays a role in progressive glomerulosclerosis development.

Immunophenotypic and genotypic features, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcome of adult pro-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results of the German multicenter trials GMALL 03/87 and 04/89

In contrast to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the cell-biological features, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcome of CD10(-) pro-B ALL have not yet been determined in larger series of adult patients. Therefore, we studied 57 adult patients with newly diagnosed pro-B ALL (median age, 30 years) enrolled in two consecutive German multicenter ALL studies (03/87 and 04/89). Extensive immunophenotypic characterization of leukemic blasts could be performed on all patients, whereas adequate cytogenetic data were available in 33 cases and molecular studies in 18 cases, using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to detect MLL-AF-4 transcripts. Twenty-two patients demonstrated a t(4;11)(q21;q23) and/or MLL-AF-4 rearrangements, and 6 patients had other structural abnormalities, including a t(9;22)(q34;q11) (N = 2). Nine patients had a normal karyotype. Patients with 11q23 abnormalities tended to be younger (median age, 29 years) and were characterized by male predominance (64%), hyperleukocytosis (median leukocyte count, 168 x 10(9)/L), and a frequent coexpression of CD65s (64%) as compared with patients with other cytogenetic abnormalities or a normal karyotype. Twelve of 16 (75%) pro-B ALL patients in study 03/87 and 30 of 41 (73%) in study 04/89 achieved a complete remission (CR). Sixteen of 30 patients in study 04/89 remain in continuous CR (CCR) in contrast to only 2 of 12 patients in study 03/87. Interestingly, all 7 patients treated with high-dose cytarabine and mitoxantrone as consolidation in study 04/89 remain alive and leukemia-free. One patient in study 03/87 and 8 in study 04/89 underwent autologous (N = 2) or allogeneic (N = 7) bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The median remission duration was 420 days for patients in study 03/87 and has not yet been reached in study 04/89. The median survival time of all pro-B ALL patients was 571 days in study 03/87 and 747 days in study 04/89. Among the 22 patients with a t(4;11) and/or MLL-AF-4 rearrangements, 17 achieved a CR and 8 are still in CCR, of whom 4 underwent an allogeneic BMT. Remission duration and overall survival did not differ significantly between pro-B ALL patients with 11q23 abnormalities and those with a normal karyotype or other structural abnormalities. These data indicate that intensification of postremission treatment may improve the prognosis of adult pro-B ALL, including patients with a t(4;11).

Pathomorphological aspects of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia II (HIT-II syndrome)

The therapeutic use of heparin results in thrombocytopenia in 5-30% of patients. In 0.1-1% of patients treated with heparin, the platelet count decreases to between 100 x 10(9)/l and 50 x 10(9)/l and leads to severe synchronous central arterial and venous thrombosis with a mortality of 18-36%. This is known as "white-clot syndrome" or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia II (HIT-II syndrome). Whilst the clinical aspects and the central type of thrombosis in HIT-II syndrome are well documented, the histomorphology and differential diagnosis of thrombosis are not. We report three cases of HIT-II syndrome with thrombosis of the central arteries and veins. The HIT-II thrombi could be differentiated from thrombi of other origins, particularly from mural thrombi. Heparin-induced thrombi were seen on microscopical examination to be like onion skin in structure, and immunohistochemistry showed that they had a markedly reduced content of fibrin and clearly enhanced amounts of IgG and IgM. The layered structure thus implied appositional growth. The thrombi in HIT-II syndrome do not seem to be induced by activation of the coagulation cascade, but by platelet aggregation mediated by anti-platelet antibodies.

Remission of IgA nephropathy following treatment of cytomegalovirus infection with ganciclovir

Following the detection of cytomegalovirus antigen in mesangial cells of some patients with IgA nephropathy, an important role of human cytomegalovirus in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy has been discussed. We studied a case of IgA nephropathy with rapid deterioration of renal function associated with cytomegalovirus infection. Following an infection of the upper respiratory tract, a 57-year-old woman developed with hematuria and acute renal failure. The histological diagnosis of IgA nephropathy was established and renal function transiently improved during immunosuppressive therapy. However, the ensuing clinical course was complicated by severe bleeding from intestinal ulcera, thrombocytopenia, pneumonia and relapse of renal failure. The histological investigation of colonic mucosa showed characteristic "owl's eye" cells leading to the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus disease as the cause of intestinal bleeding. Immunosuppression was stopped and treatment with ganciclovir started. Pneumonia as well as intestinal bleeding disappeared and, of particular note, renal function improved considerably. Following discontinuation of antiviral therapy CMV-disease reoccurred and renal function deteriorated again. The patient was restarted on ganciclovir therapy and, again, serum creatinine fell quickly. This impressive and reproducible clinical improvement of renal insufficiency under antiviral therapy with ganciclovir provides some evidence for an important role of cytomegalovirus in the pathogenesis of this case of IgA nephropathy.

A cytogenetic approach to the differential diagnosis of metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma

AIMS

To determine by cytogenetic analysis the origins of two clear cell tumours in a 70-year-old Caucasian woman, one in the thyroid gland, and the other in the skin, 16 and 20 years, respectively, after tumour nephrectomy. We sought a conclusive distinction between primary clear cell thyroid carcinoma and its cutaneous metastasis, and between thyroid and cutaneous metastases of clear cell renal carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Paraffin sections of the previously formalin-fixed thyroid tumour, and the fresh cutaneous tumour were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). Additionally, samples of both tumours were examined electron microscopically. Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies against thyroglobulin, pancytokeratin, keratin 7, 8, 18 and 19, chromogranin, calcitonin, CEA, vimentin and EMA. Five to six micrometre sections of both tumours were analysed with alpha-satellite probes of chromosomes 3, 7 and 17 using chromosomal in-situ hybridization (CISH). The cutaneous tumour was also cultured and analysed cytogenetically. The thyroid tumour displayed some follicle-like structures that stained positive with both PAS and antithyroglobulin, giving evidence of possibly entrapped thyroid follicles in metastatic RCC. The cutaneous tumour was negative for both stains. The tumours were ultrastructurally completely devoid of neurosecretory granules. Classical cytogenetical analysis of the cultured cutaneous tumour cells revealed monosomies 3 and 14, well-known specific primary and secondary aberrations, respectively, in clear cell RCC, and hitherto not reported in thyroid carcinomas. CISH of both tumours revealed monosomy 3, indicating a cytogenetical correlation between them. There was no evidence of typical chromosomal aberrations for thyroid carcinomas like structural changes on 10q, structural rearrangements or translocations of chromosome 7.

CONCLUSION

Although neither histological sections, nor paraffin blocks of the original nephrectomy specimen were available for review, the original tumour was on record as clear cell RCC. Therefore the two tumours' renal origin was confirmed.

Platelets and endothelial cells act in concert to delay thrombolysis--evidence from an in vitro model of the human occlusive thrombus

The molecular and cellular mechanisms that over a period of hours render a human thrombus progressively resistant to fibrinolysis have been probed with a novel in vitro model. The kinetics of clot formation and fibrinolysis were monitored by laser light scattering with platelet-rich model thrombi contained in cylindrical flow chambers. In selected experiments, human umbilical vein endothelial cells were also cultured to confluence on the inner walls of these "glass blood vessels". Following an "aging" period (0.5, 2 or 4 h), each thrombus was gently perfused with a bolus of plasminogen/recombinant tissue plasminogen activator to induce fibrinolysis. Platelets delayed lysis of 2 h-aged thrombi by approximately 70% and (non-stimulated) endothelial cells by approximately 30%, compared to cell-free control clots. However, even greater lytic delays (approximately 260%) resulted when both vascular cells were present in the same 2 h-aged thrombus. In contrast, rapid lysis was consistently achieved with R298E,R299E t-PA, a genetically engineered plasminogen activator that is insensitive to inhibition by plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1. These observations suggest platelets and endothelial cells act in concert to enrich the fibrin scaffold of an aging human thrombus in plasminogen activator inhibitor. We propose that the presence of both platelets and endothelial cells may contribute to progressive thrombolytic resistance.

Double-helix coil for occlusion of large patent ductus arteriosus: evaluation in a chronic lamb model

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate the efficacy and tissue reaction of a new miniature interventional device for occlusion of large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in a neonatal lamb model.

BACKGROUND

A variety of devices are used to close PDAs by interventional measures. Spring coils found to have a high cumulative occlusion rate have thus far been limited to smaller PDAs because of the physical limitation of grip forces.

METHODS

Memory-shaped double-cone stainless steel coils with enhanced stiffness of the outer rings by a double-helix configuration were mounted on a titanium/nickel core wire. A snap-in mechanism attaches the coil to the delivery wire, allowing intravascular coil retrieval and repositioning. The system was placed through a 4F or 5F Teflon catheter. A chronic lamb model (n = 8) of PDA (>5 mm) was used in which ductus patency was secured by a protocol of repetitive angioplasty procedures. The animals were killed after 1 to 181 days, and the ductal region was examined by inspection as well as by light and electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Placement of the coils within the PDA was possible in all lambs. Before final detachment, the coils were retrieved or repositioned, or both, up to 12 times. In all but one animal the ductus was closed within 6 days after the procedure. The coils caused no infections or aortic and pulmonary artery obstruction. Histologic and electron microscopic studies revealed endothelial coverage of the implants but no foreign body reaction or local or systemic inflammation or erosion of the implant.

CONCLUSIONS

The device effectively closed large PDAs in our model and may overcome the previous limitations of coils. Clinical trials are indicated.

Modulation of pro- and antifibrinolytic properties of human peritoneal mesothelial cells by transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta)

A decreased fibrinolytic activity of serosal surfaces appears to be a major factor in the development of peritoneal fibrous adhesions. Serosal fibrinolysis is regulated by mesothelial release of tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor types 1 and 2 (PAI-1 and PAI-2). We investigated the influence of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta1) and interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) on pro- and antifibrinolytic properties of mesothelial cells (HOMC) using a cell/fibrin clot assay. TGF-beta1, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta induced a dose dependent 2.9, 2.3 and 1.9-fold increase of PAI-1 antigen, respectively, whereas t-PA concentrations decreased to one third of the control values. This modified PAI-1/t-PA secretion pattern leads to a significant delay of fibrinolysis. Analysis of m-RNA levels revealed increased PAI-1 m-RNA concentrations after 12 h and decreased m-RNA concentrations for t-PA after 6 h. Serosal hypofibrinolysis during peritonitis may be explained at least in part by cytokine effects which thus may favor adhesion formation.

Coronary vasculopathy in polycythemia vera

Thrombosis is a common complication in polycythemia often causing death. In coronary artery occlusion, thrombosis due to hyperviscosity and thrombocytosis is mostly discussed as the origin of the infarction. We discuss the case of a 30-year-old male patient, with polycythemia, who died of myocardial infarction. On autopsy the vessels showed neither ateriosclerotic changes nor thrombotic occlusions. Instead, a marked intima proliferation was found leading to multiple occlusions whereas media and adventitia were unchanged. This pattern of a coronary vasculopathy has not been described before, and can be interpreted as an alternative mechanism for vascular occlusion in polycythemia. Similar histopathological changes have already been found in skin lesions in erythromelalgia, a common symptom in polycythemia.

Simultaneous immunohistochemical and biochemical hormone receptor assessment in breast cancer provides complementary prognostic information

The prognostic value of the biochemical and the immunohistochemical assessment of estrogen- and progesterone receptor (ER, PR) status was tested in 111 breast cancer patients, mostly focusing on whether the results reveal complementary prognostic information. The biochemical receptor analysis was performed on snap-frozen tumor tissue using a standard protocol (ER-DCC, PR-DCC). The immunohistochemical staining was done on 4 microns thick paraffin sections and was evaluated semiquantitatively (ER-IHC, PR-IHC) and immunohistometrically by means of image analysis (ERMEAN, PRMEAN). 74% of the ER-DCC and 50% of the PR-DCC assays were interpreted as positive. The positivity rates of the immunohistochemical reactions ranged between 78% and 81% for ER and between 66% and 82% for PR, depending on the interpretation mode. The concordance rate for the DCC method was 68%, and ranged between 77% and 85% for the immunohistochemical results on paraffin sections. ER-DCC and PR-DCC showed a better survival for receptor-positive patients; however, this tendency was only statistically significant for the PR-DCC (p = 0.0294). Patients with immunohistochemically determined ER- or PR-positivity revealed a significantly better survival than receptor-negative patients, the effect being stronger for the progesterone receptor (ER: p = 0.0253, PR: p = 0.0005). Combining the different methods and receptors in a multivariate analysis, we observed that a) ER and PR reveal complementary prognostic information to each other after immunohistochemical determination (p < or = 0.0018) and that, b) complementary prognostic information was also obtainable by comparing the biochemical and the immunohistochemical PR-analysis (p < or = 0.0084); slightly more significant results were obtained for ERMEAN and PRMEAN compared to ER-IHC and PR-IHC. Considering the lymph node status and a combined receptor analysis (PR-DCC, ERMEAN, PRMEAN) as the two strongest prognosticators in multivariate Cox models, the combined receptor analysis was able to discover for each of the three groups of NO- and N1-patients different survival probabilities (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the ER-DCC appears to be dispensable in all patients. In lymph node-negative patients, the PR-DCC has no outstanding merit, indicating that the neccessity of this method is also controversial. In priamry tumors of lymph node-positive patients, however, all three remaining types of receptor analysis should be evaluated for their therapeutic implications.

Retrievable patent ductus arteriosus plug for interventional, transvenous occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus. Evaluation in lambs and preliminary clinical results

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The clinically most widely used devices (Porstmann-plug, Rashkind-umbrella, Botallooccluder) have inherent specific limitations (eg, transarterial approach, residual shunts, limited retrieval). The authors assess practicability, efficacy, and tissue reaction of the new retrievable transvenous plug device for the occlusion of the persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

METHODS

A foam plug (polyvinyl alcohol) is mounted on a titanium core pin where, at both ends, small legs (titanium nickel alloy) with titanium heads are anchored, to ensure safe fixation in the ductus. The device is introduced transvenously through a long sheath (Mullins sheath) and held by a modified biopsy forceps allowing complete retrieval until final release. A common lamb model of large PDAs (n = 11) was used to test for practicability and the histomorphologic outcome. Clinical results were obtained from a consecutive series of 16 patients (aged 13 to 71 years).

RESULTS

In all lambs, placement of the plug within the PDA was possible. Histopathology (follow-up 10 to 215 days; mean 112 days) revealed an adequate ingrowing of the device and no pathologic foreign body reaction. The diameter of the human PDAs ranged from 3 to 7 mm (mean 5 mm). The size of the sheath used for introducing the plug (diameter 8 to 16 mm) ranged from 8 to 16 French. Fourteen of 16 PDAs were closed immediately after or on day 1 after implantation, 1 was closed after the 12-month follow-up, and 1 needed an additional plug after 30 months for definitive closure.

CONCLUSIONS

The device demonstrated practicability and biocompatibility in our experimental lamb model and effectively closed the PDA in a consecutive series of 16 patients. A greater number of patients and a longer follow-up period are necessary for the definitive clinical assessment of the new device.

Novel enzyme immunoassay and optimized DNA extraction for the detection of polymerase-chain-reaction-amplified viral DNA from paraffin-embedded tissue

Four different DNA extraction methods were compared to determine their ability to provide DNA for amplification of viral sequences from paraffin-embedded human tissue samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The suitability of extraction methods was assessed using parameters like DNA yield, length of recovered DNA fragments, and duration. Furthermore, the efficiency of amplifying a human single-copy gene, the beta-globin gene, from DNA samples was tested. The best preservation of DNA molecules could be achieved by binding the DNA onto a silica column before further purification. Viral DNA sequences could be amplified by PCR in DNA extracted from routinely processed paraffin blocks from cases with clinically or morphologically suspected cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr virus infections. The PCR products were specified by a novel liquid hybridization assay called PCR-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Using this assay, the time-consuming Southern hybridization could be replaced and the time requirement for the detection of PCR products could be reduced from 1 day to 4 hours. The assay system described here represents a reliable, sensitive, and specific method for the detection of viral DNA from paraffin-embedded tissue samples.

Interventional atrioseptostomy by application of monopolar high-frequency alternating current. In vitro evaluation of a new device

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The authors evaluate the use of a new device for interventional creation of atrial septal defects (ASD) working with high-frequency alternating current in an in vitro study with porcine atria.

METHODS

The device consists of a symmetrical cage of six superelastic monofile wires, including a microthermistor that is placed via a catheter into a punctured hole in the porcine foramen ovale. The device is used as a differential electrode for monopolar, temperature-controlled application of high-frequency alternating current for thermal modelling of ASD.

RESULTS

Application of current for 60 seconds caused temperature-dependent, sized ASDs.

CONCLUSION

In vivo animal studies to evaluate possible side effects and long term patency of the ASDs are justified and warranted.

Direct invasion of the renal vein by metastatic testicular cancer

We report a case of metastatic seminoma with direct invasion of the left renal vein. A tumor thrombus was found in the renal vein while the vena cava thrombosis proved to be a noncancerous blood clot developing as an extension of the tumor thrombus. Primary chemotherapy could not be completed because of thrombotic growth requiring surgical intervention. Although surgical specimens were free of viable tumor and two cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy were applied, the tumor relapsed in the area of renal vein invasion.

Enhanced occlusion of vessels combining retrievable, detachable coils as differential electrodes with percutaneous, intravascular radiofrequency electrocoagulation. An experimental study

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The authors evaluate the feasibility to accelerate occlusion of high-velocity flow vessels by a combination of transcutaneous coil placement and application of radiofrequency current.

METHODS

Piglets (n = 8) were anesthetized and acutely instrumented via cutdowns in both carotid and one brachial arteries. Two identical cylindrically shaped coils (length, 3 mm; outer diameter, 2.4 mm; inner diameter, 1.4 mm) were mounted on titanium-nickel core wire and placed via 3-French Nylon catheters in both iliac arteries. The coils were kept connected to the delivery wire, which is isolated from the surrounding tissue by the catheter. The first-placed system served as control, the contralateral coil was connected to a radiofrequency generator closing electrical circuit via an external indifferent electrode. Angiograms via the brachial artery demonstrated the adequate placement of the coils and the status of the iliac arteries without and with current application. In 6 of the 8 cases, 25 watts of radiofrequency current were applied repeatedly over 10 seconds to the coil on one side at 4-minute intervals until occlusion was demonstrated. In 2 of 8 cases. 25 watts were applied continuously over 30 seconds. The coils were detached from the wire the catheters removed. Additional angiograms were performed after 5, 15, 45, and 60 minutes to show the patency of the control setting.

RESULTS

Complete occlusion was achieved in all cases after a maximum of three consecutive applications of current for 10 seconds. The control remained patent for a minimum of 45 minutes. On gross and histologic examination the arteries on both sides remained intact. Disruption and charring occurred only after continuous application of current over 30 seconds.

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible to use detachable coils in conjunction with high-frequency electrocoagulation to promote coil fixation and accelerate occlusion of vessels with high blood flow.