Primary oncocytic carcinoma of ectopic salivary gland: a unique case

Oncocytic carcinoma of the salivary glands is an extremely rare malignant neoplasm. The parotid is the most frequently involved salivary gland, but tumours in the submandibular gland and minor salivary glands have also been described. It appears that oncocytic carcinoma of an ectopic salivary gland has not been reported so far. The unique case of a 78-year-old male patient diagnosed with oncocytic adenocarcinoma of an ectopic salivary gland is reported here. The patient underwent surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. The clinical, morphological, and immunohistochemical features of this rare entity are also described.

Long-term cardiac risk in individuals with low calcium score on coronary computed tomography angiography can be stratified by the pericoronary fat radiomic profile (FRP)

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): UKRI, British Heart Foundation

Background

Inflammation in the coronaries induces macroscopic changes in perivascular adipose tissue composition, detectable by the pericoronary Fat Radiomic Profile (FRP) on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Purpose

To assess the ability of FRP to stratify cardiac risk in patients with Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score below 100 following routine CCTA.

Methods

1,575 participants from the CCTA arm of the SCOT-HEART trial (NCT01149590) eligible for image analysis were included. Pericoronary FRP mapping was performed in perivascular adipose tissue segmentations around the proximal sites of the right and left coronary arteries, as previously validated. We first tested the prognostic value of FRP in the sub-cohort of patients with CAC < 100. We further analysed a sub-group based on the absence of high risk plaque (HRP) features and obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). The association with future incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE: cardiac mortality or non-fatal myocardial infarction) or a composite endpoint of MACE ± late revascularization (MACE-ReVasc) was assessed using adjusted Cox regression models [adjusted for age, sex, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diabetes mellitus (DM), body mass index (BMI), smoking, CAD (≥50% stenosis), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and HRP features].

Results

In total, 1,032 patients (53.9% female sex) were found with low CAC score (CAC < 100), with a median age of 55 years. Over a mean follow-up of 4.87 ± 1.06 years, 12 MACE and 47 MACE-ReVasc were recorded. High FRP was associated with a 14.4-fold (95% CI: 3.80-54.78, p < 0.001) higher adjusted risk of MACE and a 2.8-fold (95% CI: 1.49-5.36, p = 0.001) higher adjusted risk of MACE-ReVasc (A). Addition of high FRP to a baseline model consisting of traditional risk factors (age, sex, systolic blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, BMI, smoking, CAD (≥50% stenosis), total cholesterol, HDL, HRP) significantly enhanced (deltaAUC at 5 years:0.15, p = 0.03) the model’s performance and reclassified individuals (NRI = 0.59, p = 0.02, B). Interestingly, after more rigorous filtering of the population by absence of HRP features and obstructive CAD, high FRP remained an independent predictor of MACE (n = 756, Adj.HR = 28.1, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

In individuals with low CAC scores the Fat Radiomic Profile biormarker significantly improves risk prediction for adverse clinical events beyond the current state-of-the-art. Non-invasive profiling of pericoronary adipose tissue using CCTA-derived FRP captures irreversible changes in perivascular adipose tissue composition associated with chronic vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic disease, and can supplement the traditional anatomical assessment of the coronary vasculature with a functional marker of disease activity.

Incremental value of feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in detecting myocardial dysfunction in patients with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can identify the underlying substrate in patients with ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and normal echocardiography. Myocardial strain has emerged as a superior index of systolic performance compared to ejection fraction (EF), with an incremental prognostic value in many cardiac diseases.

Purpose

To assess myocardial deformation using 2-D feature-tracking CMR strain imaging (CMR-FT) in patients with frequent VAs (≥500 ventricular premature contractions (VPC)/24 hours; and/or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia), and structurally normal hearts on echocardiography without evidence of coronary artery disease.

Methods

Sixty-eight consecutive patients (mean age 46 ± 16 years; 54% female) and 72 healthy controls matched for age and body surface area were included in the study. CMR imaging was performed on a 1.5T Magnetom Avanto (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) scanner using a standard cardiac protocol.

Results

CMR showed normal findings in 30 patients (44%), while 16 (24%) had previous myocarditis, 6 (9%) had a diagnosis of non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), 15 (22%) were diagnosed with VPC-related cardiomyopathy, and 1 patient had subendocardial infarction [excluded from strain analysis]. Mean left ventricular EF (LVEF) in patients was 62% ± 6% and right ventricular EF 64% ± 6% (vs. 65% ± 3% and 66% ± 4% in controls, respectively). Compared to control subjects, patients with VAs had impaired peak LV global radial strain (GRS) (28.88% [IQR: 25.87% to 33.97%] vs. 36.65% [IQR:33.19% to 40.2%], p < 0.001) and global circumferential strain (GCS) (-17.73% [IQR: -19.8% to -16.33%] vs. -20.66% [IQR: -21.72% to -19.6%], p < 0.001, Panel A). Peak LV GRS could differentiate patients with previous myocarditis from patients with NICM and those with VPC-related cardiomyopathy (Panel B). Peak LV GCS could differentiate patients with previous myocarditis from patients with NICM (Panel C). Peak LV GRS showed excellent diagnostic accuracy in detecting patients from control subjects (Panel D). In a multivariable regression model, subjects with a low GRS (<29.91%-determined by the Youden’s index) had 5-fold higher odds of having VAs (OR:4.99 [95%CI: 1.2-21.95]), after adjusting for LVEF, LV end-diastolic volume index, age, sex, BMI, smoking, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia. Peak LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV strain indices were not statistically different between patients and controls.

Conclusion

Peak LV GRS and GCS are impaired in patients with frequent idiopathic VAs and can detect myocardial contractile dysfunction in patients with different underlying substrates. Our findings suggest that LV strain indices on CMR-FT constitute independent markers of myocardial dysfunction on top and independently of EF.

Abstract Figure.

Safety and effectiveness of intravenous procainamide in patients with frequent ventricular ectopics during cardiac magnetic resonance scanning: a way to ensure high quality imaging

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients with frequent ventricular arrhythmias provides significant diagnostic and prognostic information but is challenging due to artefacts. In patients with occasional ventricular premature contractions (VPCs), arrhythmia rejection algorithms can be used to acquire good quality cine images at the expense of longer breath-hold times. However, arrhythmia sorting in not practical in cases of frequent VPCs; other options include triggered data acquisition which compromises image quality or use of low temporal and spatial resolution ‘real-time’ imaging.

Purpose

The aim of our study was to examine the safety and effectiveness of the class Ia antiarrhythmic medication procainamide for suppressing ventricular ectopy and acquiring high quality CMR images.

Methods

50 consecutive patients (mean age 48 ± 16 years; 52% female) with a high burden of VPCs during CMR scanning were included in the study. Procainamide was administered on the scanner table prior to CMR scanning at intermittent intravenous bolus doses of 50 mg every minute, until suppression of VPCs was achieved or a maximum dose of 10 mg/kg was reached. Blood pressure was measured every minute and there was continuous monitoring of heart rate and ECG trace. CMR studies were performed on a 1,5T Magnetom Avanto scanner using a standard cardiac protocol.

Results

The average dose of procainamide administered was 567 ± 197 mg (range 200-1000 mg). Procainamide successfully suppressed VPCs in 82% of patients (20 patients with complete suppression and 21 with significant reduction); 7 patients had minimal suppression of VPCs, while there was no effect of procainamide in only 2 patients. Baseline blood pressure (BP) was mildly reduced (mean change systolic BP -12 ± 9 mmHg; diastolic BP -4 ± 9 mmHg) but none of the patients developed symptomatic hypotension. Baseline heart rate (HR) was relatively unchanged (baseline 75 ± 11 beats per minute (bpm) – peak procainamide HR 74 ± 12 bpm (mean HR change -1 ± 6 bpm).  None of the patients developed pathological ECG changes. CMR scan had normal findings in 42% of the patients, 26% had non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, in 16% the most likely diagnosis was VPC-related cardiomyopathy, 14% had previous myocarditis, and 1 patient had dual pathology (dilated cardiomyopathy with previous myocardial infarction). Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 55% ± 9%.

Conclusion

We propose the bolus intravenous administration of procainamide prior to CMR scanning as a safe and effective alternative approach for suppressing VPCs and acquiring high quality images in patients with frequent ventricular arrhythmias and normal or only mildly impaired left ventricular function. Further studies are needed to assess its safety and effectiveness in larger patient cohorts, including also patients with ventricular systolic impairment.

Long-Term (≥25 Years) Kidney Allograft Survivors: Retrospective Analysis at a Single Center

INTRODUCTION

Despite great improvements in the short-term patient and kidney graft survival, the long-term morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients still remains a significant problem. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of both donor and transplant recipient factors, as well as renal function indices on the very long-term (>25 years) kidney allograft survival.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 41 kidney transplant recipients (KTR), group A: follow-up = 25 years, 20 KTR, 10 male, mean age (mean [M] ± standard deviation [SD]): 34.6 ± 12.6 years, 14 living donors (LD), 6 cadaveric donors (CD); group B: follow-up > 25 years, 21 KTR, 16 male, mean age (M ± SD): 30.86 ± 12.37 years, 14 LD, 7 CD). Kidney graft origin, post-kidney transplantation diabetes mellitus, HLA compatibility, delayed graft function, and acute rejection episodes were also analyzed retrospectively. Statistical analysis with Mann-Whitney test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed (SPSS 20.0 for Windows).

RESULTS

The mean age of CDs was lower than that of LDs: CD mean age (M ± SD): 23.84 ± 16.26 years vs LD mean age: 52.75 ± 12.42 years (P < .001). Cadaveric kidney graft was associated with better renal allograft function 10, 15, and 25 years post kidney transplant. None of the other factors analyzed reached statistical significance between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

The age of the donor and the kidney graft origin are important co-factors of the very long-term kidney allograft survival.

A comparative immunohistochemical investigation of the consequences of chorioamnionitis on the developing human fetal spleen

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of chorioamnionitis on the extracellular matrix (ECM) structural glycoproteins of the developing human fetal spleen, and their influence on the haematopoiesis and spleen immune system compared to controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After elective induced pregnancy termination due to chorioamnionitis or voluntary abortion, paraffin-embedded specimens from the spleen and respective fetal membranes of 90 fetuses were investigated by immunohistochemistry for presence of ECM structural glycoproteins, haematopoietic, and lymphoid cells. Conventional histological examination of the relative fetal membranes was performed.

RESULTS

The present results showed no quantitative variations in the expression of the ECM glycoproteins and haematopoietic lineages of the fetal spleen parenchyma at the end of first trimester (in both groups). At the second and third trimesters, acute chorioamnionitis showed a decreased number of the aforementioned proteins, with an increase of granulopoiesis and CD34 progenitor/stem haematopoietic cells. The immune system of the spleen during the third trimester demonstrated a decrease of both B and T lymphocytes, in comparison with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that toxins and cytokines generated during chorioamnionitis, seem to influence ECM structural glycoproteins synthesis and release in fetal splenic parenchyma by reducing them, and probably cause further disorders of haematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis.

Coronary artery fistula connecting the left main coronary artery with the superior vena cava

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery fistulas are rare congenital coronary artery abnormalities, with direct communication between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber, great vessel or other structure.

DESCRIPTION OF CASE

We report a case of a large coronary artery fistula connecting the left main coronary artery with the superior vena cava in a 70-year-old patient undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography for a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The patient rejected closure of the fistula and remains asymptomatic on follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Angiographic recognition of coronary artery fistulas is important for the appropriate diagnosis and management of patients. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (2):186-188.

Postoperative adhesion prevention using a statin-containing cellulose film in an experimental model

BACKGROUND

Intraperitoneal adhesions are a common problem in abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Statofilm, a novel antiadhesive film based on cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose and atorvastatin, with that of sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose (Seprafilm(®)) in the prevention of postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions in rats.

METHODS

One hundred male Wistar rats underwent a laparotomy and adhesions were induced by caecal abrasion. The animals were allocated to five groups: a control group with no adhesion barrier, Seprafilm(®) group, placebo group with a film containing carboxymethylcellulose without atorvastatin, and low- and high-dose groups with films containing carboxymethylcellulose and atorvastatin 0·125 and 1 mg per kg bodyweight respectively. Adhesions were classified by two independent surgeons 2 weeks after surgery. Caecal biopsies were obtained for histological evaluation of fibrosis, inflammation and vascular proliferation.

RESULTS

All antiadhesive film groups (Seprafilm(®), placebo, low-dose and high-dose) had statistically significant adhesion reduction compared with the control group (P < 0·001, P = 0·015, P < 0·001 and P < 0·001 respectively). The low-dose Statofilm was superior to Seprafilm(®) in terms of adhesion prevention (P = 0·001). Adhesions were present in three-quarters of rats in the Seprafilm(®) group, but only one-quarter in the low-dose Statofilm group.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that the newly developed adhesion barrier Statofilm has better results than Seprafilm(®) in preventing postoperative adhesions in rats. A low-dose atorvastatin-containing film, such as Statofilm, could be evaluated for future clinical application.

Acute renal dysfunction in a patient presenting with rhabdomyolysis due to Hypothyroidism attributed to Hashimoto's Disease

We describe a patient with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal dysfunction due to hypothyroidism, attributed to Hashimoto's disease. Though rhabdomyolysis could be life-threatening, it is a rare complication of hypothyroidism, especially when other precipitating factors, such as exercise, alcohol, medications or renal failure, are absent. Nevertheless, hypothyroidism can be an authentic cause of rhabdomyolysis and should always be considered when elevated creatine kinase (CK) and other muscle enzymes concentrations cannot be attributed to any major factor.

Leptin as a cardiovascular risk factor

The role of leptin in humans is not yet precisely established. Nevertheless there is increasing evidence revealing that this molecule is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis as an independent risk factor. From another point of view, however, leptin is already related to known traditional risk factors for accelerated atherogenesis, like obesity. We herein provide the experimental and clinical data concerning the association between leptin and atherosclerotic disease. Vascular stiffness and calcification, immune response regulation, fibrinolysis, and oxidative stress, are the main fields to be investigated in relation to leptin in the present study. Additionally the description of the main characteristics of leptin and its receptors is included in the introduction of this article, whereas in the end the main clinical data suggesting that this molecule represents an interesting risk factor for atherosclerotic disease are provided.