Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Kidney-Pancreas Transplanted Recipient

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are lymphoid proliferations or lymphomas that develop as a consequence of immunosuppression after solid organ or bone marrow transplantation and are mostly associated with an Epstein-Barr virus infection. The morphologic categories include different types of benign and malignant lymphoid proliferations. The majority of PTLDs is of B-cell origin with clonal rearrangements of the immunoglobulin genes. The PTLDs in solid organ transplants are reported to be either of host or of donor origin. Donor-related PTLDs frequently involve the allograft. We report a case of a 52-year-old woman recipient who developed simultaneously PTLDs in several organs 5 month after receiving a sex-mismatched renal and pancreas allograft. Immunosuppression regimen comprised antithymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. Pathologic features appeared as polymorphic PTLDs in the renal allograft, liver, and central nervous system (CNS). Molecular genetic studies revealed different clonal immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangements in all 3 organs as determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Epstein-Barr virus were detected by nested PCR and in situ hybridization in all 3 tumors. The PTLDs in liver and CNS were of host origin whereas the allograft kidney PTLD was found to originate from the male donor as shown by the simultaneous detection of female and male sex chromosomes by PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The recipient died in consequence of the CNS involvement, after intracerebral hemorrhage with uncal and tonsillar herniation.

Impaired myocardial capillarogenesis and increased adaptive capillary growth in FGF2-deficient mice

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) plays a major role in angiogenesis and capillary growth. In contrast to vascular endothelial growth factor, which is required for proliferation and survival of endothelial cells, FGF2 does not seem to be essential since the Fgf2 knockout is not lethal. Therefore, the precise genetic and physiological roles of FGF2 for capillary development and adaptation remain to be determined. Here we show that myocardial capillary supply is normal at birth, but significantly reduced by approximately 25% in adult Fgf2+/- and Fgf2-/- mice as compared with wild-type littermates. In contrast, after induction of myocardial hypertrophy by continuous infusion of angiotensin II (ANG II) for 6 days marked capillary growth was seen in both Fgf2+/- and Fgf2-/- mice, but not in wild-type littermates. These data demonstrate that two intact Fgf2 genes are necessary for normal capillary development after birth, whereas FGF2 seems to be dispensable for adaptive myocardial capillary growth in the adult mouse.

[Lichen sclerosus and squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva]

Genital lichen sclerosus in women is a clinically and histologically well defined disease. In addition to the classical atrophic form, there is a hypertrophic variant, which is characterised histologically by squamous cell hyperplasia. The aetiology is unknown but an autoimmune pathogenesis seems most likely. Infectious or hormonal influences do not play a major role. We describe a squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva with a co-existing lichen sclerosus. This case raises again the question of a precancerous potential of lichen sclerosus. In the dermatological literature, only a few cases with association of lichen sclerosus and squamous cell carcinoma are known. This is in contrast to gynaecological literature, where a high number of squamous cell carcinomas has been described. Gynaecologists search for the histological findings of lichen sclerosus adjacent to squamous cell carcinoma. Such an attempt is not valid without the clinical signs of lichen sclerosus, so that indeed classical lichen sclerosus does not seem to be a precancerous lesion. On the other hand, the hypertrophic form of lichen sclerosus seems to be associated with squamous cell carcinoma in about 3-5% of case.

The petrified heart in sepsis

We report the case of a 33-year-old transsexual man who developed severe sepsis after an accidental intravenous injection of urine (3-5 ml) instead of methadone. He died unexpectedly 28 days after the onset of sepsis. On postmortem examination, the outstanding findings were restricted to the heart with an unusual macroscopic presentation. On histological examination extensive calcifications of the heart muscle, particularly of the left ventricle were found. The pattern of calcifications on the right ventricle was also striking. In contrast, the entire cardial conduction system was unaffected. Furthermore, there were no calcium deposits in other organs and tissues. The advanced widespread cardial calcifications in the present case can be attributed to endotoxin-related myocarditis in severe long-term sepsis. The only treatment would have been an urgent heart transplantation. Without prior knowledge of such a condition, it is impossible for clinicians to correctly recognize, diagnose and treat or prevent in due time such a complication.

Effects of estrogens on cardiovascular structure in uninephrectomized SHRsp rats

BACKGROUND

The risk of cardiovascular disease in uremic patients is greater in male than in female patients. Estrogens seem to play a cardioprotective role until menopause. Experimental data on the effect of estrogens on cardiovascular damage are controversial and potential underlying mechanisms especially in renal failure have not been fully clarified.

METHODS

Three-month-old female uninephrectomized stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHRsp) rats were sham-operated or ovariectomized. Subsequently, they received either vehicle (sesame oil) or 17-beta-3 benzoate estradiol (E2) (25 microg/day) or estriol (E3) (0.02 mg/day), respectively. After 3 months the animals were sacrified and the organs were harvested using pressure-controlled perfusion fixation. Stereologic parameters such as capillary length density (L(V)), mean intercapillary distance (MID), and volume density of the interstitial tissue (Vv) were quantitated. Additionally, expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), flt-1, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin A receptor (ETA) receptor, and alpha estrogen receptor was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Intramyocardial capillaries and the aorta were investigated by morphometric methods.

RESULTS

L(V) (mm/mm(3)) was significantly lower (2421 +/- 500) and MID (microm) significantly higher (22.2 +/- 2.33) in vehicle-treated uninephrectomized/ovariectomized compared to uninephrectomized/sham-ovariectomized controls (L(V) 3629 +/- 960, MID 12.7 +/- 2.7) as well as estradiol (L(V) 3340 +/- 739, MID 12.1 +/- 4.96) and estriol (L(V) 4655 +/- 618, MID 14.2 +/- 2.89) treated uninephrectomized/ovariectomized animals. The volume density of the cardiac interstitium was higher in vehicle-treated uninephrectomized/ovariectomized animals compared to uninephrectomized/sham-ovariectomized, estradiol and estriol treated uninephrectomized/ovariectomized rats. The protein level expression of TGF-beta was higher in vehicle treated uninephrectomized/ovariectomized compared to uninephrectomized/sham and all treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

In ovariectomized SHRsp rats with moderate renal failure cardiac lesions were strikingly less after estradiol or estriol treatment. The results document a beneficial role of estrogens on cardiac abnormalities in a model of moderate renal dysfunction.

Analysis of forces of ACL reconstructions at the tunnel entrance: is tunnel enlargement a biomechanical problem?

Bone tunnel enlargement is a common phenomenon following reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Biomechanical and biological factors have been reported as potential causes of this problem. However, there is no analysis of forces between the graft and bone, as the graft changes direction at the bone tunnel entrance. The purpose of this study was to study these 'redirecting forces'. Magnetic resonance images of 10 patients with an ACL reconstruction (age: 26+/-6.8 years) were used to determine the angle between graft and drill holes. Vector analysis was used to calculate the direction and magnitude of the perpendicular component of the force between the bone tunnel and the graft at the entrance of the bone tunnel. Force components were projected into the radiographically important sagittal and coronal planes. Tension of ACL reconstructions was recorded during passive knee motion in 10 cadaveric knee experiments (age: 28.9+/-10.6 years) and the tension multiplied with the force component for each plane. Results are reported for the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively: For -10 degrees of extension, the percentages of graft tension were determined to be 17+/-7 (max: 26; min: 7%) and 26+/-9 (max: 39; min: 16%) for the tibia. They were 59+/-6 (max: 66; min: 48%) and 99+/-1 (max: 1.00; min: 99%) for the femur. Force components were 14.68+/-6.54 and 25.73+/-12.96 N for the tibial tunnel. For the femoral tunnel, they were 52.48+/-19.03 and 90.77+/-32.06 N. Percentages of graft tension and force components were significantly higher for the femoral tunnel compared with the tibial tunnel. Moreover, in the sagittal direction, force components for the femoral tunnel were significantly higher compared with the coronal plane (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.01). The differences in force components calculated in this study corresponds with the amount of tunnel enlargement in the radiographic planes in the literature providing evidence that biomechanical forces play a key role in postoperative tunnel expansion.

[Upper gastrointestinal bleeding after long term, high dose NSAID medication: a wolf in sheep's clothing?]

A 71-year-old patient with melena, abdominal and lower back pain was admitted to hospital under suspicion of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. He had mild anemia and an elevated C-reactive protein. Endoscopy and ultrasound failed to localize the source of bleeding. The patient died 2 1/2 days after admission on an exsanguinating hemorrhage. On pathologic examination a fistula between the small aortic aneurysm and duodenum and periaortic inflammation in contact with a spondylitis were found. When clinical presentation is subtle, with a herald bleeding followed by a period of grace, the diagnosis of aortoenteric fistula may be extremely difficult.

Immunohistochemical differentiation of eosinophilic heart diseases using antibodies against eosinophil activation markers

AIMS

Eosinophilic heart syndromes are rare in Western countries and include endocarditis parietalis fibroplastica (EPF) and hypersensitivity myocarditis (HM). There are striking differences in natural history and morphological findings. Since diagnosis can be difficult when analysing small myocardial biopsies lacking the characteristic histological features, we studied a set of immunohistochemical markers in order to characterize the activation status of the infiltrating eosinophils to distinguish between these two entities.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study is based on the investigation of seven explanted hearts and one left ventricular specimen collected during implantation of a left ventricular assist device from a total of seven patients with HM. Also investigated were three right and three left ventricular specimens from five patients with EPF. We used antibodies (Ab) against EG1, and EG2, CD44, and CD69 which have been described as markers to distinguish between resting and activated eosinophils. The EG1 to EG2 ratio of eosinophils and the immunoreactivity against CD44 showed no differences between the two entities. However, eosinophils in the EPF were completely negative for CD69, whereas eosinophils reacted positively within the HM group.

CONCLUSION

The immunohistochemical investigation of eosinophilic heart diseases using antibodies against CD69 can be a useful tool to distinguish between hypersensitivity myocarditis and endocarditis parietalis fibroplastica.

Death due to neurogenic shock following gastric rupture in an anorexia nervosa patient

We report a case of fatal gastric rupture discovered after death, which developed due to a bulimic attack of a 19-year-old woman suffering from anorexia nervosa. An autopsy revealed an acute gastric dilatation and rupture without commonly observed ischemic damage of gastric wall structures. However, it may be difficult to determine the cause of death despite the marked findings. The death as a consequence of neurogenic shock accounts for all the results of gross examination and histologic analysis. This case is the first reported case of fatal gastric rupture of an anorectic patient discovered after death.

Uterine Peristaltic Activity and the Development of Endometriosis

Peristaltic activity of the nonpregnant uterus serves fundamental functions in the early process of reproduction, such as directed transport of spermatozoa into the tube ipsilateral to the dominant follicle, high fundal implantation of the embryo, and, possibly, retrograde menstruation. Hyperperistalsis of the uterus is significantly associated with the development of endometriosis and adenomyosis. In women with hyperperistalsis, fragments of basal endometrium are detached during menstruation and transported into the peritoneal cavity. Fragments of basal endometrium have, because of their equipment with estrogen and progesterone receptors and because of their ability to produce estrogen, an increased potential of implantation and proliferation, resulting in pelvic endometriosis. In addition, hyperperistalsis induces the proliferation of basal endometrium into myometrial dehiscencies. This results in endometriosis-associated adenomyosis with a prevalence of approximately 90%. Adenomyosis results in impaired directed sperm transport and thus constitutes an important cause of sterility in women with endometriosis. Our own date and that from the literature strongly suggest that the principal mechanism of endometriosis/adenomyosis is the paracrine interference of endometrial estrogen with the cyclical endocrine control of archimyometrial peristalsis exerted by the ovary, thus resulting in hyperperistalsis.

[Tonsillectomy by CO@ laser microsurgery--an analysis of clinical and morphological data]

BACKGROUND

Tonsillectomy by CO(2) laser microsurgery is an almost bloodless procedure that has developed to an alternative to traditional dissection tonsillectomy during recent years. It has been suggested that the laser technique more precise than the conventional one, however, attempts to investigate this morphologically have not yet been undertaken. In addition, there is a need for large clinical studies to compare the postoperative bleeding risk of both procedures.

METHODS

The charts of 617 patients who underwent routine tonsillectomy between 1995 and 1998 at the ENT department of Darmstadt Hospital, were retrospectively investigated with regard to postoperative bleeding events. A total of 467 patients were treated by the conventional technique and 150 by CO(2) laser microsurgery (continuous mode, 5 W). Moreover, 2 mm serial sections of tonsils of 56 consecutive patients treated in 1999 (31 conventional and 25 laser tonsillectomies) were used to determine peritonsillar (Vp) and tonsillar tissue volumes (Vt).

RESULTS

The postoperative bleeding risk following laser tonsillectomy differed slightly from that following the conventional technique (12.0% vs 14.6%; P=0.499; Fisher's exact test). However, the incidence of severe bleeding events requiring revision in general anesthesia was significantly reduced (0.7% vs 4.9%; P=0.015; Fisher's exact test). Tonsillar specimens that were removed by laser surgery contained significantly less peritonsillar tissue than those from conventional procedures (Vp/Vt 5.1%+/-0.6% vs 10.8%+/-1.1%; P below 0.001; Mann-Whitney U-test).

CONCLUSION

CO(2) laser microsurgery improves the precision of tonsillectomy and provides a maximum protection for the peritonsillar tissue. The incidence of severe bleeding events is markedly reduced. Laser tonsillectomy is therefore recommended for patients with clotting disorders or those requiring a particularly exact preparation technique.

Cardiomyocyte loss in experimental renal failure: prevention by ramipril

BACKGROUND

The development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and of structural abnormalities of the heart is a key abnormality in renal failure that potentially contributes to the high rate of cardiac death. In renal failure, the behavior of cardiomyocyte volume and number in the development of LVH has so far not been investigated. A potential role of the (local) renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the genesis of LVH has been suspected. It was the aim of the present study in short-term experimental renal failure (1) to characterize cardiomyocyte volume and number and (2) to study whether they are affected by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor ramipril.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 8 to 10 per group) had a subtotal nephrectomy (SNX) or sham operation and followed for 8 weeks. One SNX group received the ACE inhibitor ramipril (0.5 mg/kg body weight) in the drinking fluid. After perfusion fixation, the morphology of the heart was investigated using stereologic techniques.

RESULTS

Systolic blood pressure was slightly, but not significantly, higher in untreated SNX, but the left ventricular (LV) weight and LV weight/body weight ratio (2.32 +/- 0.20 mg/g) were significantly higher in SNX than in sham-operated animals (1.90 +/- 0.16 mg/g). Sarcomeric length was not significantly different between SNX and sham-operated animals. There was an increase in the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive myocytes in SNX compared to sham-operated animals and a significant increase in cardiomyocyte volume (15,713 +/- 4557 microm3 vs. 10,067 +/- 2242 microm3, P < 0.01) as well as a decrease of cardiomyocyte numbers per unit myocardial volume (61.2 +/- 16.2 vs. 92.2 +/- 20.9 x 103/mm3) and per left ventricle (70.9 +/- 16.5 x 106 vs. 94.8 +/- 18.1 x 106, P < 0.05). Both abnormalities were abrogated by treatment with ramipril (6347 +/- 972.4 microm3 and 106 +/- 18.9 103/mm3 or 118 +/- 39.5 x 106, respectively), which also completely prevented the increase in LV weight/body weight ratio (1.83 +/- 0.14 mg/g).

CONCLUSION

LVH in renal failure is characterized by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, but also cardiomyocyte drop out. A role of the RAS is suggested by the beneficial effect of ramipril treatment that is not accounted for by differences in blood pressure.

Clinical benefit of prostaglandin E1-treatment of patients with ischemic heart disease: stimulation of therapeutic angiogenesis in vital and infarcted myocardium

New evidence suggests that Prostaglandin E1 (PGE-1) stimulates myocardial angiogenesis in human chronic ischemic myocardium. We sought to investigate whether PGE-1 may participate in the process of neoangiogenesis within the myocardial infarct scar. Neovascularization was investigated in 14 explanted hearts from patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, who had been bridged to heart transplantation (HTX) with PGE-1 and compared with 14 hearts from patients who did not receive PGE-1 prior to HTX. In transmural sections obtained from the left ventricular wall and containing myocardial scar tissue, CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were quantified immunohistochemically to estimate capillary density and amount of angiogenesis. Additionally, to assess the hypoxic state of myocardium of the infarct border zone, hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1alpha) was determined by immunohistochemistry and quantified by means of planimetric analysis. PGE-1-treated patients had significantly more CD34-and VEGF-positive cells in infarct areas as compared to nonPGE-1 group, respectively (CD34: 116.7 +/- 5.9 vs. 45.1 +/- 5.2 capillary profiles/mm(2), P < 0.001, and VEGF: 48.3 +/- 4.9 vs. 22.9 +/- 4.7 capillary profiles/mm(2)). HIF-1alpha enrichment (in %) as well as staining intensity (in estimated units (eU)) was significantly decreased in PGE-1-treated as compared to non-treated controls (enrichment: 11.3 +/- 2.5% vs. 19.4 +/- 4.36%; staining intensity: 0.95 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.97 +/- 0.44 eU). Our data demonstrate that PGE-1 stimulates neoangiogenesis in infarct areas adjacent to viable myocardium, via upregulation of VEGF expression. The induction of therapeutic angiogenesis along with the improved hypoxic state of chronic ischemic myocardial tissue might explain the favorable clinical outcome in PGE-1 treated patients.

[Coronary thrombosis and ectasia of coronary arteries after long-term use of anabolic steroids]

Chronic abuse of anabolic steroids is widespread. Hypertrophy of skeletal and heart muscle is a well-known effect of chronic anabolic steroid abuse. Structural alterations of blood vessels are new side effects. We report a case of a 32-year-old bodybuilder after long-term use of anabolic steroids who died of cardiac arrest. Coronary angiography and autopsy findings showed especially a hypertrophic heart, structural changes of coronary arteries, intracoronary thrombosis and myocardial infarction, ventricular thrombosis and systemic embolism

Myocyte loss in early left ventricular hypertrophy of experimental renovascular hypertension

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) develops very early in experimental renovascular hypertension after clipping of one renal artery and is accompanied by a remodeling of cardiac structure which has not yet been investigated in detail. It was the aim of the present study to analyze changes in cardiomyocyte number and volume in LVH after 2 weeks of renovascular hypertension. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to clipping of the left renal artery (2K1C) or sham operation (sham). One group of 2K1C rats received antihypertensive treatment with dihydralazine. The experiment was terminated after 2 weeks. Hearts were investigated using stereological methods, electron microscopy, immunohistology for the proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen, the pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bcl-2 as well as the TUNEL technique. After 2 weeks, systolic blood pressure and relative left ventricular weight were significantly higher in untreated 2K1C animals than in sham and dihydralazine-treated 2K1C rats. Volume fraction of interstitial tissue and capillary length density were not different, whereas wall thickness of intramyocardial arteries was significantly higher in untreated 2K1C (5.12+/-0.7 micro m) than in sham (3.92+/-0.6 micro m) and in dihydralazine-treated 2K1C (3.91+/-0.7 micro m) rats. Cardiomyocyte diameter and volume were significantly higher in untreated 2K1C than in sham animals. The number of cardiomyocytes per left ventricle was significantly lower in untreated 2K1C rats (5.5+/-1.6 vs 3.9+/-6.9 x10(7)). Using immunohistochemistry, no direct evidence of apoptosis was found, but a relative higher expression of the anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 expression was seen in untreated 2K1C than in sham animals. This may reflect a protective mechanism as a consequence of earlier occurring apoptosis. These observations document that experimental renovascular hypertension induces a rapidly developing LVH characterized by marked cardiac remodeling and substantial loss of cadiomyocytes.

Impingement pressure and tension forces of the anterior cruciate ligament

This study examined the impingement behavior of the uninjured ACL and the impingement pressure and tension forces of the ACL to draw conclusions for ACL reconstructions. A miniature pressure sensor was inserted between the ACL and the intercondylar roof of 15 knees of human cadavers before and after a 3-mm notch roof resection (thickness of the sensor); tension of the ACL was measured after attaching the tibial insertion to a load cell. A long-arm goniometer was used to determine corresponding extension angles. The beginning of contact of the ACL with the notch roof was between -1 and -2 degrees of knee extension. Pressure for full passive extension was 855.6+/-279.1 and 346.4+/-287.7 kPa, and ACL tension averaged 101.9+/-38.4 N. Tension forces in passive hyperextension were higher than those detected when a 200-N Lachman test was performed (83.5+/-25.1 N). There was a significant correlation between extension capability and impingement pressure. Impingement of the ACL was detected in all knees. Full passive extension exerts biomechanical pressure and tension on the ACL. Tension forces of the ACL are higher in passive hyperextension than during a Lachman test with 200 N. The impingement behavior found for the uninjured ACL is simulated in an ACL reconstruction when the center tibial tunnel position is used.

[No detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in normal and atherosclerotic femoral arteries by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)--an autopsy study]

Since Saikku's investigations in 1988 a direct relation between atherosclerosis and infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae has been suspected. The aim of the present study was to examine histologically normal and atherosclerotic femoral arteries of autopsy cases and to correlate histological findings with the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae which was tested with nested polymerase chain reaction. The study included all of the femoral arteries (of which 16 male, 15 female, aged between 50 and 88 years) obtained by autopsy from the cases occurring between July 1, 1999 and August 31, 1999 in the Medical Clinic Darmstadt. Each paraffin block supplied us with six consecutive sections of which the first two sectional areas were histologically stained, while the other four were used in PCR examination for DNA extraction. The polymerase chain reaction did not reveal presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in any of the cases, neither in atherosclerotic lesions, nor in normal arteries. Because of the negative results, an additional PCR test was performed with primers that amplify another region of the Chlamydia genome, but the result did not change. The negative result of our prospective study does not contradict the assumption that infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae may enhance the progress of atherosclerosis in single cases. However, the results do not favour the concept of atherosclerosis as an infectious disorder caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Nephron number in patients with primary hypertension

BACKGROUND

A diminished number of nephrons has been proposed as one of the factors contributing to the development of primary hypertension.

METHODS

To test this hypothesis, we used a three-dimensional stereologic method to compare the number and volume of glomeruli in 10 middle-aged white patients (age range, 35 to 59 years) with a history of primary hypertension or left ventricular hypertrophy (or both) and renal arteriolar lesions with the number and volume in 10 normotensive subjects matched for sex, age, height, and weight. All 20 subjects had died in accidents.

RESULTS

Patients with hypertension had significantly fewer glomeruli per kidney than matched normotensive controls (median, 702,379 vs. 1,429,200). Patients with hypertension also had a significantly greater glomerular volume than did the controls (median, 6.50x10(-3) mm3 vs. 2.79x10(-3) mm3; P<0.001) but very few obsolescent glomeruli.

CONCLUSIONS

The data support the hypothesis that the number of nephrons is reduced in white patients with primary hypertension.

[Granulocytic sarcoma of the tonsils associated with myelodysplastic syndrome]

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS

A 60-year-old man with anaemia was found to have a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) which was classified as refractory anemia with ringsideroblasts (RAEB). Because of severe fever the patient was hospitalized. Waldeyer's throat ring revealed signs of acute inflammation.

LABORATORY FINDINGS

Indicated severe anemia and thrombocytopenia. Leucocytes were 8000/ml with a pathological shift to the left (1920/ml blasts). CRP (4.7 g/dl) and BSG (59/91mm) were abnormal. An axial CT of the neck showed a left sided paratonsillar abscess.

DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY

The tonsillitis was treated with antibiotics. Persistent fever up to 39.8 degrees C suggested resistance to therapy. After three weeks the patient developed septicemia and died. Autopsy revealed MDS with excess of blasts in transformation (RAEBT-t). Granulocytic sarcoma was found in the throating where there was no paratonsillar abscess. Generalized miliary tuberculosis was proved at autopsy, explaining the continuous fever resistant to antibiotic treatment.

CONCLUSION

Granulocytic sarcoma is rarely associated with myelodysplastic syndrome. Deficiency in the immune system may facilitate the occurrence of miliary tuberculosis.

Clinical and experimental evidence of prostaglandin E1-induced angiogenesis in the myocardium of patients with ischemic heart disease

OBJECTIVE

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE-1) is a potent vasodilative agent which has been used to bridge patients with chronic heart failure listed for heart transplantation (HTX). In various experimental settings PGE-1 appears to stimulate angiogenesis by inducing vascular endothelial growth factor expression. This observational clinical study sought to investigate the angiogenic effects of PGE-1 in the failing human heart.

METHODS

Neovascularization was investigated in 14 explanted hearts from patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) who had been bridged to HTX with PGE-1 (8+/-1 mg/kg/min, 97+/-75.6 days) and compared with 14 hearts who did not receive PGE-1 prior to HTX. In three sectional areas obtained from the left ventricular wall CD34, von Willebrand factor (vWf), nuclear Ki67 (MIB-1), and VEGF were quantified by immunohistochemistry to estimate capillary density and endothelial cell proliferation. Additionally, to investigate a possible angiogenic effect of PGE-1 in vitro, cultured human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) were treated with PGE-1.

RESULTS

PGE-1-treated patients had significantly more CD34- and vWf-positive cells in the subepicardium (both P<0.01), myocardium (both P<0.0001) and subendocardium (P<0.01 and P<0.001) as compared to the nonPGE-1 group. Proliferative endothelial activity expressed by the presence of MIB-1- and VEGF-positive cells (both P<0.0001 in all layers) was increased more than twofold. Addition of PGE-1 to HCASMCs in cell culture resulted in a significant increase in VEGF production (164.0+/-19.7 pg/10(5) cells/24 h, P<0.005) as compared to the control cell line (66.6+/-8.7 pg/10(5) cells/24 h, P<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that PGE-1 is a potent stimulator of angiogenesis via upregulation of VEGF expression. The induction of therapeutic angiogenesis in patients with severe ICMP might explain the favorable clinical outcome in PGE-1 treated patients until HTX.

Endometriosis results from the dislocation of basal endometrium

BACKGROUND

The hypothesis is tested that both adenomyotic and endometriotic lesions are derived from basal endometrium.

METHODS

Normal uteri and uteri with adenomyosis obtained by hysterectomy, excised endometriotic lesions and menstrual blood of women with and without endometriosis were used. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), progesterone receptor B isoform (PR(B)) and P450 aromatase (P450A) immunohistochemistry was performed with the use of specific monoclonal antibodies.

RESULTS

With respect to the parameters studied there was a fundamental difference between the cyclical patterns of the basalis and the functionalis of the eutopic endometrium. The endometrium of endometriotic and adenomyotic lesions mimicked the cyclical pattern of the basalis. The peristromal muscular tissue of endometriotic and adenomyotic lesions displayed the same cyclical pattern of ER and PR expression as the archimyometrium. There was a significantly higher prevalence of fragments of shed basalis in menstrual blood of women with endometriosis than in healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that ectopic endometrial lesions result from dislocation of basal endometrium. Dislocated basal endometrium has stem cell character resulting in the ectopic formation of all archimetrial components such as epithelial and stromal endometrium as well as peristromal muscular tissue.

[ Update 2001. Myocarditis--cardiomyopathy]

Myocarditis is a common cardiological disease. New molecular biological and immunohistological methods have confirmed the persistence of viral infection and chronic myocardial inflammation in a considerable number of patients. A causal link between viral myocarditis and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy has been recognized. This has prognostic implications and helps for the decision of a specific immunosuppressive, immunomodulatory and antiviral therapy.