Recovery of an estuary in the southwest coast of India from tsunami impacts

Water quality in the Cochin Estuary, southwest coast of India during the tsunami attack was assessed and compared with the pre and post tsunami characteristics. From the results obtained, it is evident that a drastic change in hydrography has been inflicted by the energy transferred through the tsunami, which disturbed the entire estuarine embayment. However, the post tsunami water quality showed normal levels indicating that the region has recovered from the tsunami impacts.

Interstitial high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for early stage breast cancer

10551

Background: External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) has been the standard of care for breast conservation radiation therapy. Recent data indicates that Interstitial Implant and High Dose Rate (HDR) radiation afterloading compares favorably to EBRT in selected patients. Methods: Patients with Tis, T1, and T2 tumors measuring ≤ 3 cm, negative surgical margins, and negative axillary lymph nodes were judged to be candidates for Interstitial Implant. Results: Between 2000 and 2006, 112 patients underwent Interstitial HDR Implant under Stereotactic Mammographic guidance with conscious sedation and local anesthesia. Conscious sedation consisted of Morphine and Versed. Local anesthesia was given with a mixture of 1% Lidocaine, 0.25% Marcaine, 1:100,000 Epinephrine, and 4% Sodium Bicarbonate neutralizing solution. The implants were placed using a Template with from 3 to 6 planes, and 8 to 43 needles. Catheters were subsequently threaded thru the needles, and the needles removed. Catheter spacing was 1.0 to 1.5 cm. Radiation Treatment planning was performed using CT Scanning. Treatment volumes ranged from 25 cm3 to 359 cm3. The breast implant volume received 3400 cGy in 10 fractions via HDR prescribed to the Planning Target Volume, given BID over 5 days. The procedure was well tolerated. No patient required hospital admission. With a median follow-up 36 months (range 6–60 months), local recurrence occurred in 2.7% (3/112). Cosmetic results were good to excellent in 85.7% (96/112) of the patients. Wound healing complications developed in 7.1% (8/112). Three of these patients had received anthracycline based Chemotherapy. The other five had large (> 200 cm3) implant volumes and catheter spacing of 1.5 cm. Two patients healed after 6 months of conservative treatment. Surgery was required in six patients who developed fat necrosis. Conclusions: With median 36 month follow-up, Breast Conservation radiation therapy utilizing Interstitial HDR Implant has yielded local recurrence rates and cosmetic results which compare favorably to EBRT in selected patients. Treatment with anthracycline based Chemotherapy and large (> 200 cm3) implant volumes appear to be relative contraindications to Interstitial HDR Implant. Finally, catheter spacing of 1 cm yielded optimal dosimetry and minimized complications.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Interstitial high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy alone for early stage prostate cancer

14633

Background: Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) guided interstitial implant for prostate cancer using Low Dose Rate (LDR) and High Dose Rate (HDR) technique has been reported with results comparing favorably to surgery and External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT). Often, HDR and LDR interstitial implant is combined with EBRT. There is little published data on HDR alone. We report our results with HDR alone. Methods: Between 1997 and 2006, 167 patients with T1 and T2 localized prostate underwent TRUS guided interstitial implant. There were no Gleason Score or PSA exclusions. No patient received EBRT or Hormonal Blockade. Median Gleason Score was 7 (range: 4 to 10). Median PSA was 9.3 (2.7 to 39.8). Treatment volumes ranged from 42 cm3 to 196 cm3. Treatment volume included the prostate and seminal vesicles in all cases. Our protocol for HDR alone, has called for two HDR Implants. The treatment volume received 2,250 cGy in 3 fractions prescribed to the 100% Isodose line, given over 24 hours. A 2nd implant was performed 4 weeks later, delivering a further 2,250 cGy in 3 fractions, bringing the final dose to the prostate to 4,500 cGy in 6 fractions. Urethral dose points (12–16) were followed, and limited to ≤ 105% of the prescription dose. Results: With a median follow-up of 64 months (range: 6 months to 112 months), PSA disease free survival was 89.8% (150/167). Urethral stricture requiring dilatation has developed in 4.2% (7/167) of patients. Urinary stress incontinence has occurred in 3.6% (6/167). RTOG late bladder toxicities were: 0% Grade 4, 0% Grade 3, and 3.6% (6/167) Grade 2. RTOG late rectal toxicities were: 0.6% (1/167) Grade 4, 0% Grade 3, 1.8% (3/167) Grade 2, and 2.4% (4/167) Grade 1. There have been no cases of rectal incontinence to date. Conclusions: Five year results with HDR implant alone compare favorably to EBRT, LDR ± EBRT, and HDR + EBRT, both with regard to PSA disease free survival, and complications. HDR offers other advantages over LDR, such as no radiation exposure to hospital personnel, no seed migration, greater dose flexibility and precision of radiation dose delivery. Larger volumes can be treated with HDR. By omitting EBRT, bladder and rectal complications appear to be significantly reduced.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Linac-stereotactic radiosurgery (LSRS) in the management of trigeminal neuralgia

18603

Background: Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) with the Gamma Knife (GK) has been used successfully in the treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). Results have been comparable to open surgery. There have been few reports with the use of LSRS in the management of TN. We report our updated results with LSRS in the treatment of TN. Methods: Between 2000 and 2006, 37 patients with medically refractory TN were treated with LSRS. Prior neurosurgical intervention had been performed in 28 patients. Ten patients had one procedure, 10 patients two, and 3 patients three interventions. All patients had typical TN. LSRS was given to the cranial nerve V entry root zone into the brainstem. Targeting was defined by CT and MRI Scans, and CT Cisternogram, utilizing axial, coronal, and sagittal images. Treatment planning was accomplished thru the Radionics Treatment Planning System. The dose was 87 Gy to Dm, in one fraction using the 5 mm collimator and 6 arcs with the 20% Isodose line just touching the brainstem. This dosimetry is similar to Gamma Knife. The dose rate was 400 MU/min. Average Arc length was 130 degrees. Response to treatment was defined as excellent (no pain, off analgesics), good (no pain, with analgesics), and poor (continued pain despite analgesics). Results: With a median follow-up of 40 months (range 6–72 months), 73% (27/37) of patients have reported an excellent or good result after LSRS. One patient has sustained permanent ipsilateral facial numbness. Conclusions: LSRS offers comparable results to Gamma Knife SRS, with respect to both pain relief and complications, in the management of TN.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Analysis of dosimetric and radiation safety results of seventeen patients treated with radioimmuno therapy using Iodine 131—Tositumomab for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

12513

Background: Radioimmunotherapy using radioactive Iodine -131 labeled radioimmuno conjugate called Tositumomab has been used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Radiation dosimetry and safety aspects of this treatment modality are very critical for successful implementation of this treatment. Methods: Since year 2001, we have treated 17 patients using I-131-tositumomab. There were 11 female and 6 male patients at age range of 40 to 82 years. Patient specific dosimetry was performed on all the patents using a tracer dose of I-131. The whole body counts were performed after infusion of 5.0 mCi of I-131-tositumomab and whole body counts were taken at 0, 48 and 178 hours. The total body residence time (TBRT) for 37% of the activity to stay in the body was determined by graphical method. The activity in mCi, for delivering 65 cGy or 75 cGy whole body dose, was calculated based on the TBRT and patient’s weight. Based on the measured exposure rate, we have calculated the total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) to the public. The patients were released to home with radiation safety instructions if TEDE delivered to the public was less than 5.0 mGy. We have studied the platelet count recovery time for all the patients, following treatment. Results: The calculated TBRT ranged from 85 to 175 hours and the the mCi/Kgm varied from 1.4 to 0.6, related inverse proportion with TBRT. For both group of patients, treated with total body dose of 65 cGy and 75 cGy, the mCi/Kgm was the same, for TBRT values exceeding 100 hours. The TEDE to public varied from 1.02 to 3.22 mGy, while the exposure rate measured on the patient at 1 meter was less than the permissible value reported in the literature for safe release. Conclusion: The above results show that the patients can be treated as outpatient using I-131 -tositumomab with radiation safety restrictions lasted for one week. The radiation exposure to the public was less than the maximum permissible dose equivalent.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Interstitial high dose rate (HDR) brachtherapy + IMRT vs. HDR monotherapy for early stage prostate cancer

14606

Background: Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) guided interstitial implant for prostate cancer using High Dose Rate (HDR) + External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) or IMRT has been reported with favorable results. The role of supplemental EBRT or IMRT in brachytherapy is undefined. We compare our results of HDR + IMRT vs. HDR monotherapy. Methods: Between 1997 and 2006, 276 patients with T1 and T2 localized prostate underwent TRUS interstitial implant. After discussion of treatment options, 109 patients elected HDR Implant + IMRT and 167 patients underwent HDR alone. No patient received Hormonal Blockade. Median Gleason Score was 7 (range: 4 to 10). Median PSA was 9.8 (0.60 to 39.8). In patients who received IMRT + HDR, 4500 cGy in 25 fractions was given via IMRT and 1650 cGy in 3 fractions via HDR. Our protocol for HDR alone, has called for two HDR Implants. The treatment volume received 2,250 cGy in 3 fractions prescribed to the 100% Isodose line, given over 24 hours. A 2nd implant was performed 4 weeks later, delivering a further 2,250 cGy in 3 fractions, bringing the final dose to the prostate to 4,500 cGy in 6 fractions. Results: There was no significant difference between the treatment groups with respect to T-Stage, Gleason Score, and PSA. With a median follow-up of 66 months (range: 6 months to 120 months), the overall PSA disease free survival (DFS) was 89.5% (247/276). In patients undergoing IMRT + HDR, PSA DFS was 89.0% (97/109) vs. 89.8% (150/167) for patients undergoing HDR alone (p = 0.6). The 5 year actuarial survival was 86% for the group receiving IMRT + HDR vs. 89% with HDR (log rank = 0.5). Urinary stress incontinence has occurred in 2.5% (7/276). RTOG late bladder toxicities were: 0% Grade 4, 0% Grade 3, and 3.3% (9/276) Grade 2. RTOG late rectal toxicities were: 0.4% (1/276) Grade 4, 0% Grade 3, 3.6% (10/276) Grade 2, and 4.7% (13/276) Grade 1. RTOG late rectal toxicity was higher in patients undergoing HDR + IMRT with 14.7% (16/109) of patients experiencing Grade 2 and 1 symptoms, vs. 3.0% (5/167) receiving HDR alone (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: We have observed no difference in PSA DFS in patients undergoing HDR vs. HDR + IMRT. Complications were similar, though RTOG Grade 1 and 2 late toxicity was higher in patients receiving HDR + IMRT. By omitting IMRT, rectal complications may be reduced.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Interstitial high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy under local anesthesia for early stage prostate cancer

14639

Background: Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) guided interstitial implant for prostate cancer using Low Dose Rate (LDR) and High Dose Rate (HDR) techniques has been reported with results comparing very favorably to external beam radiation therapy. TRUS interstitial implant of the prostate has been traditionally performed under general or spinal anesthetic in an operating room. We report our results with a technique performed under local anesthesia in a Department procedure room. Methods: Patients with T1 and T2 localized prostate cancer were judged to be candidates for TRUS guided interstitial implant. Results: Between 2002 and 2006, 248 TRUS guided prostate implants were performed under local anesthesia. Conscious sedation consisted of intravenous Morphine (12–22 mg) and Versed (6–14 mg), or intravenous Demerol (50–175 mg) and Versed (3–12 mg). Local anesthetic was given with a mixture of 1% Lidocaine, 0.25% Marcaine, 1:100,000 Epinephrine, and 4% Sodium Bicarbonate neutralizing solution (20–120 cc). Local anesthesia was given to a 5 × 5 cm perineal area to a depth of 10 cm under TRUS guidance. The implants were placed under mobile multi-plane prostate template (Radiation Therapy Products Prostate Template) guidance using from 3 to 4 planes, and 12 to 22 needles. Needle spacing was 1.0 cm. The implant procedure included sigmoidoscopy and cystoscopy. Median implant time was 45 minutes (range: 30 to 150 minutes). HDR treatment was given using the Nucletron afterloading system. The implant volume received 2,250 cGy in 3 fractions prescribed to the 100% Isodose line, given over 24 hours. Urethral dose points (12–16) were followed, and limited to ≤ 105% of the prescription dose. The procedure was well tolerated, with all patients having completed the procedure. One patient developed respiratory suppression, and required reversal with Narcan. He recovered uneventfully. Otherwise, there have been no acute complications to date. Conclusions: TRUS interstitial implant of the prostate under local anesthesia is feasible. Implant time and complications compare favorably to general or spinal anesthetic technique.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Chronic atrial fibrillation in patients with rheumatic heart disease: mapping and radiofrequency ablation of flutter circuits seen at initiation after cardioversion

BACKGROUND

There is little information concerning mapping and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of arrhythmias seen during reinduction of atrial fibrillation (AF) after pharmacological and/or electrical cardioversion in patients with chronic AF and rheumatic heart disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventeen patients with rheumatic heart disease and symptomatic chronic AF underwent multisite atrial mapping during reinduction of AF after cardioversion. An organized atrial arrhythmia of varying duration was seen to precede the AF in all patients. The earliest atrial activity during this organized rhythm was near the coronary sinus ostium (CS OS) in 14 patients and along the left side of the interatrial septum (IAS) in 3 patients. RFA was performed in 16 patients (14 near the CS OS and 2 along the IAS). Postablation AF was inducible in 1 patient in whom RFA was preformed near the CS OS and in both patients when it was performed along the IAS. At a follow-up of 6 to 56 weeks (mean, 32 weeks), 10 of the 13 patients who had successful ablation were in sinus rhythm. All patients in whom AF was reinducible immediately after RFA continue to be in AF.

CONCLUSIONS

Induced AF in patients with rheumatic heart disease begins as a rapid organized arrhythmia with earliest atrial activity near the CS OS in most patients. RFA targeting the region of the CS OS is successful in suppressing the arrhythmia immediately in most of the patients and in most on follow-up.

Neurocysticercosis: a clinical and radiological appraisal from Kerala State, South India

OBJECTIVES

Little has been published on Neurocysticercosis (NCC) in the State of Kerala, South India. This study was conducted to describe the clinical and radiological features of NCC in Kerala and also to study the frequency of NCC as seen in a tertiary referral setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated retrospectively 11 patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of NCC from 1986 to 1998. A pre-abstracted proforma containing detailed demographic data, dietary habits, clinical features and history of travel outside Kerala and neuroimaging findings were obtained from patient records and the data was tabulated and analysed. Follow up assessment was made three months after treatment.

RESULTS

There were a total of 11 patients, including nine males and two females in the age range of 24 to 62 years and a mean age of 35.2 years. All were nonvegans, only 36% were pork eaters while 18% claimed consumption of salads and uncooked vegetables. 55% of patients were migrants. Migrants were defined as those who lived outside the state of Kerala for more than six months. Seizure was the most common presenting complaint and occurred in all patients (100%). Multiple ring enhancing lesions were seen on computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in 60%. Calcified lesions were noted in two patients. An isolated instance of miliary or disseminated cysticercosis with subcutaneous nodules and multiple brain lesions in MRI scan was observed. All patients received anticysticercal therapy besides anticonvulsants.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that NCC is rather uncommon in Kerala. Better socioeconomic status, high literacy rate, improved sanitation and health care in the state of Kerala could be reasons for this observation. A prospective case-control study of NCC in Kerala is needed to study these factors.

Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid and its variants: a cytohistological correlation

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is considered highly specific for the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid (PCT). In recent years, several variants of PCT have been described. An attempt was made to gauge the accuracy of classification of variants of PCT on aspirates. Cytology smears from 124 of 150 cases of histologically proven PCT with a prior FNAC were reviewed over a 16-yr period. A diagnosis of papillary carcinoma on FNAC was made in 93 cases. Further subclassification of these cases was done on cytology and tissue sections independently. The variants of PCT classified on FNAC were classical PCT (PCT-CL), 76 cases; Hurthle-cell variant (PCT-HCV), 3 cases; follicular variant (PCT-FV), 6 cases; tall-cell variant (PCT-TCV), 2 cases; high-grade variant (PCT-HG), 2 cases; and 2 cases each which were debatably PCT-CL/PCT-FV and PCT-CL/PCT-HG. Cytology typing was accurate in 65 of the 72 classical variants, while only 7 of the 22 follicular variants were correctly identified on cytology. Two of the 3 high-grade papillary carcinomas (PCT-HG) were identified on FNAC, and the solitary case of tall-cell variant could readily be classified on cytology. In conclusion, identification of the various variants of PCT is possible, though difficulty is encountered in correctly categorizing the follicular variant, which is often mistaken for a follicular neoplasm. Also, identification of the solid variant and the papillary carcinoma with nodular fasciitis-like stroma was a problem on cytology. Another interesting observation in our series is that an admixture of various cell types was seen in the smears and corroborated on histology to be present in focal areas.