Benign multicystic mesothelioma: a case report

Benign multicystic mesothelioma (also known as multilocular peritoneal inclusion cyst) is a rare lesion found on any abdominal peritoneal surface that occurs most frequently in premenopausal women. We report the case of a 36-year- old woman, who presented with a history of generalized abdominal pain, intermittent abdominal bloating, and episodes of loose stools. A pelvic ultrasound revealed a complex cystic mass with fine internal septations. The patient was managed by laparotomy with removal of mass, total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and multiple peritoneal biopsies. Final pathology revealed benign multicystic mesothelioma. Although mesothelioma is a rare tumour, it is important for all gynaecologists to recognize its existence, the appearance of this lesion, and its generally benign course. This is especially important as it occurs in young women where fertility considerations must be part of the discussion of any pelvic surgery.

External radiotherapy of pituitary adenomas

PURPOSE

To evaluate therapeutic outcome and side effects of radiotherapy in pituitary adenomas as sole or combined treatment.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Retrospective analysis of 138 patients (74 male, 64 female) irradiated for pituitary adenoma from 1972 to 1991 was performed. Mean age was 49.7 years (15-80 years). Regular follow-up (in the mean 6.53 +/- 3.99 years) included radiodiagnostical [computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), x-ray], endocrinological, and ophthalmological examinations. Seventy patients suffered from nonfunctional pituitary adenoma, 50 patients suffered from growth-hormone producing adenomas, 11 had prolactinomas, and 7 patients had adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) producing pituitary adenomas. In 99 patients surgery was followed by radiotherapy in case of suspected remaining tumor (invasive growth of the adenoma, assessment of the surgeon, pathologic CT after surgery, persisting hormonal overproduction). Twenty-three patients were treated for recurrence of disease after surgery and 16 patients received radiation as primary treatment. Total doses from 40-60 Gy (mean: 45.5 Gy) were given with single doses of 2 Gy 4 to five times a week.

RESULTS

Tumor control was achieved in 131 patients (94.9%). In seven patients, recurrence of disease was diagnosed in the mean 2.9 years (9-98 months) after radiotherapy and salvaged by surgery. A statistically significant dose-response relationship was found in favor of doses > or = 45 Gy. Ninety percent of the patients with hormonally active pituitary adenomas had a benefit from radiotherapy in means of complete termination (38%) or at least reduction (52%) of hormonal overproduction. Partial or complete hypopituitarism after radiotherapy developed, depending on hormonal axis, in 12 (prolactin) to 27% (follicle-stimulating hormone FSH) of patients who had not already had hypopituitarism prior to radiation. Two out of 138 patients suffered reduction of visual acuity, which was, in part, related to radiotherapy. Both therapeutic effects and side effects occurred after a latency period of 3 months up to 9 years.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that radiotherapy of pituitary adenomas, using modern treatment planning techniques, is effective and safe. To achieve optimal tumor control, doses of 45-48 Gy (conventionally fractionated) should be applied.

[Magnetic resonance tomography of the ankle joint]

To define the clinical role of MRI of the ankle joint, a total of 88 patients was investigated. In the evaluation of ligamentous injury, MRI was inferior to established imaging methods. By contrast, it provided additional therapy-relevant information in the assessment of hemophilic arthropathy, osteochondritis dissecans, and inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the ankle joint. In the latter conditions, MRI may make other more conventional methods of examining the ankle joint unnecessary.

[The diagnostic reliability of the occipitomental radiograph of the paranasal sinuses. Correlation with magnetic resonance tomography]

100 conventional occipitomental radiographs of the paranasal sinuses were studied independently by five radiologists. Predictive values were determined, based on MRI as the gold standard. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of mucosal thickening in the sinuses were: maxillary sinus: 0.73/0.76, frontal sinus: 0.20/0.85, ethmoid sinus: 0.38/0.87, sphenoid sinus: 0.14/0.96. In the maxillary sinus polypoid thickening was demonstrated with a significantly higher sensitivity than that of diffuse mucosal thickening (0.82 versus 0.65, Chi-square-test, p less than 0.01). Because of the low predictive values the occipitomental view is insufficient to assessing mucosal thickening in the paranasal sinuses, with the exception of polypoid mucosal thickening in the maxillary sinus.

[A comparison between digital luminescence radiography and conventional myelography]

The potential of digital luminescence radiography in replacing conventional myelography was analyzed using ROC methodology. 95 conventional (CR), digital (DR) and edge enhanced digital (EDR) myelograms (49 disk herniations, 46 normal) were read independently by 5 radiologists; and a ROC analysis was performed. Higher confidence levels were used in making both correct and incorrect diagnoses with DR and EDR than with CR. However, no statistically significant differences between AUC (area under the curve) values obtained with the different techniques, were noted. The separate analysis of cervical and lumbar myelograms showed no significant differences between the different techniques. With DR and EDR, the sensitivity of 4 of 5 readers was somewhat higher in the lumbar but lower in the cervical region than with CR. Replacement of conventional by digital luminescence myelography seems possible; however, some decrease of sensitivity in the cervical region must be accepted.

[The diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities using high-resolution real-time and CW-Doppler sonography. Accuracy and limitations]

The combination of high-resolution real time and continuous wave (CW) Doppler sonography is particularly valuable for the detection of venous thrombosis in the lower limbs. A total of 235 venous sonograms were prospectively compared with phlebography (gold standard) and indicated a sensitivity and specificity of 93%-100% and 96%-99%, respectively, depending on the thrombosis site. The positive and negative predictive values ranged between 90% and 97% and 97% and 100%, respectively. The value of real-time venous sonography, which basically entails assessing venous compressibility for the exclusion of thrombosis, is limited in the presence of small non-occlusive thrombi by the elasticity of the surrounding anatomic structures and the sonographic visibility of the veins. It is also evident that partial thrombosis in readily visualized veins (e.g., the inguinal region) is more obvious with sonography than phlebography. In addition, the proximal end of acute, extensive thrombus with poor collateral circulation is better visualized by sonography.

[Conventional diagnosis of carpal luxation and instability]

The recognition of ligament disruption in carpal dislocation and the early diagnosis of carpal instability have had implications for the therapy since the evolution of differentiated surgical treatment concepts including ligament reconstruction. Plain radiography and the carpal instability series are helpful in the detection of ligament disruption. The radiological analysis is based on the configuration and arrangement of the carpals, the setting of their axes, and the detection of intercarpal gaps. Mechanisms and characteristic radiological findings in the different types of carpal dislocation and instability (scapholunate dissociation, palmar or dorsal intercalated segment instability) are demonstrated in relation to physiological appearance, and the value of conventional films in the diagnosis of carpal dislocation and instability is discussed.

Evaluation of flu-like symptoms in workers handling xanthan gum powder

A study was performed to determine the relationship between the handling of xanthan gum powder and reported symptoms. Nose and throat irritation was the most prevalent symptom, and the group with the greatest exposure reported the highest prevalence of nose and throat irritation as well as work-related illness. Employees who reported illness as a result of exposure to materials at work did not show a decrease in pulmonary function over the first day of the workday or workweek. There was no evidence of chronic loss of pulmonary function in employees with either the highest or longest exposure.

[Hemophilic osteoarthropathy with special reference to the elbow joint]

Hemophilia is a rare disorder, whereby recurrent bleedings into the joint can result in osteoarthropathy. Radiological changes consist of osteoporosis, enlargement of the epiphyses, irregularity of the subchondral bone surface, narrowing of the joint space, cysts, erosions, joint incongruence and joint deformity. The earlier and the more frequent bleedings have occurred that have not been treated adequately, the more of the changes mentioned above are present. In children, osteoarthropathy of the elbow is present in only about 50% of cases, and in the remaining cases the degree is mostly minimal or moderate. Differential diagnosis consists of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children, and rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in adults.

[The radiotherapeutic effect on bone metastases in relation to the frequency of metastases, sites of metastases and histology of the primary tumor]

In a retrospective study on 239 patients irradiated for osseous metastases in 578 different skeletal areas, the therapy effect was evaluated in dependence on the frequency of metastases, the sites of metastases, and the histology of the primary tumors. Furthermore the duration of improved findings was verified. The primary tumor was a mammary carcinoma in 186 patients, a bronchial carcinoma in 21 patients, a renal cell carcinoma in 20 patients, and a prostatic carcinoma in 12 patients. In patients with bronchial carcinoma the relief of pain by radiotherapy was not as good as in other tumor types. However, a significant correlation between subjective therapy effect and histology of the primary tumor was not demonstrated. Remineralization was found in 55% of all irradiated skeletal areas and an unchanged X-ray picture of bone metastases in 35%. A dependence of the objective therapy effect from the histology of the primary tumor was not statistically demonstrated (recalcification rate in mammary carcinoma 62%, in prostatic carcinoma 57%, in bronchial carcinoma 28%, and in renal cell carcinoma 11%). Significant differences of remineralization were found in solitary bone metastases (68%) and in multiple skeletal metastases (56%). A significant correlation between sites of metastases and objective irradiation effect was proved by the fact that osteolytic destructions of spine and pelvis showed a better remineralization than lesions situated in the extremities. The average duration of the objective, radiologically verified amelioration of findings was 16 months in patients with mammary carcinomas and 12 months in patients with prostatic carcinomas, bronchial carcinomas, and renal cell carcinomas.

[Radiologic diagnosis of bone metastases]

The diagnostic relevance of the various radiological examination methods - skeleton scintigraphy, conventional x-ray film, computed tomography, sonography and magnetic resonance - was analysed on the basis of an examination of 4765 clinically or scintigraphically suspect skeleton segments in order to arrive at an effective but also economically justifiable diagnostic approach. Conventional skeleton scintigraphy should be employed as the first method of choice, since it has a sensitivity of 93% and is hence very suitable as a searching tool. To differentiate benign and malignant lesions it is absolutely imperative to conduct at the same time a x-ray control of any abnormal accumulation of nuclides, or of parts of the skeleton that display signs or symptoms. Conventional x-ray film diagnosis enabled correct diagnosis of the type of disease in 95% of the cases. In its capacity as a complementary examination method, computed tomography enabled correct diagnosis in 52% of the cases that had remained roentgenologically unclear. A pathological bone scintigram without any x-ray or CT correlate must be considered as being suspect of metastases if trauma is absent. Magnetic resonance proved to be the most sensitive method in identifying malignant infiltrations of the medullary space in two patients suffering from a clearly delineated pain syndrome with normal x-ray and CT findings. Sonography proved superior in detecting extraosseous tumour portions. The value of angiography is the preoperative vascular imaging of metastases of the possibility of performing therapeutic embolisation or intraarterial drug therapy.

[Accelerated irradiation of bone metastases]

In a prospective study, accelerated irradiation was performed over 60 portals in 34 tumor patients with peripheral bone metastases. During a period of three days, three daily fractions of 3 Gy each were applied with intervals of four hours, resulting in a total dose of 27 Gy. Using this fractionation schedule introduced by Ammon, a reduction of metastasis-associated pain was achieved in 90% of cases (54/60). The onset of pain reduction was observed earlier than seen with conventional fractionation schedules (five fractions of 2 Gy each per week, total dose 40 Gy). With regard to objective treatment effects, no significant difference was found between accelerated irradiation and conventional fractionation, the rate of remineralization being 43% (26/60), and the rate of stabilization of formerly progressive bone destructions being 55% (33/60). Accelerated irradiation was tolerated well usually. Marked acute side reactions occurred in only one case with metastatic involvement of joint and reaction of synovia. The major advantage of accelerated irradiation is the shortening of the total treatment period and the consequent reduction of treatment stress in patients with advanced cancer.

[Diagnosis and therapy of neuroectodermal tumors]

Computed tomography (CT) and 123I- or 131I-meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy were compared for accuracy in tumor detection in 47 patients with neuroectodermal neoplasms. MIBG concentration was found in 12 of 13 pheochromocytomas, 12 of 12 neuroblastomas, 5 of 9 carcinoids, and 1 of 4 glomus tumors. MIBG uptake was not observed in medullary thyroid carcinomas, oat-cell carcinomas, Merkel tumors, 1 gastrinoma, and 2 unclassified neuroectodermal neoplasms. With regard to the different tumor manifestations, the sensitivity in detecting pheochromocytomas, neuroblastomas, and carcinoids was 87%, 77%, and 100% for CT, and 83%, 100% and 71% for MIBG scintigraphy, MIBG scintiscan was superior in the detection of small adrenal pheochromocytomas (less than 1 cm diameter) and in the depiction of small bone metastases and bone marrow infiltration from neuroblastoma. In all, 25 cycles of high-dose MIBG therapy were performed in eight patients with surgically incurable tumors (4 malignant pheochromocytomas, 1 neuroblastoma, 3 carcinoids). The total therapeutic activity applied was 3.55-43.29 GBq 131I-MIBG. Tumor kinetics of MIBG were investigated before and during treatment. One patient with metastatic pheochromocytoma has been in complete remission for a follow-up period of 36 months since completion of treatment, and another patient is in partial remission. Tumor reduction or no change was observed in four patients. Two patients died of non-concentrating recurrence and metastases.

[Computed tomographic diagnosis of diseases of the pituitary region]

Because of the high density and spatial resolution it allows, CT scanning has come to play a key role in the diagnosis of diseases of the pituitary region. While the extension of macroadenomas is regularly detected, only meticulous techniques using coronary scanning following intravenous bolus injection of contrast agent coupled with knowledge of artefacts and normal variations can allow sufficient certainty in the diagnosis of intrasellar lesions. In this respect, the finding of a localized, round hypodense region within the pituitary is of major importance. The so-called indirect signs of a pituitary mass are of minor significance. Demonstrations of typical changes in the CAT scan in combination with the clinical and hormonal findings can contribute to the differential diagnosis of diseases of the pituitary region.

Cost-effective management of patients following myocardial infarction: the impact of ischemia on alternative approaches

Following uncomplicated myocardial infarction patients are at varying risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In order to identify and treat high risk patients, various management approaches can be employed. We performed a decision analysis to examine the cost-effectiveness of seven alternative strategies under the assumption that prognosis is affected by both the location of anatomic obstruction and the degree of myocardial ischemia. Strategies included combinations of angiography and two theoretical diagnostic tests capable of detecting ischemia with different degrees of accuracy. The strategy associated with the lowest overall six month mortality initiated testing with the diagnostic test most sensitive for ischemia, slightly better than proceeding initially to angiography. Initial use of a test sensitive for ischemia was also considerably more cost-effective than proceeding directly to angiography. Future analyses evaluating the role of diagnostic tests in coronary artery disease should incorporate the dimension of ischemia.

[Indications for and value of computed tomography and conventional skeletal diagnosis in suspected bone metastases]

In 1003 patients with a total of 2467 clinically or scintigraphically suspect skeletal parts, conventional x-ray examination at the time of first study resulted in 95% of cases (2331 skeletal parts) in a correct diagnosis. Computed tomography permitted an exact diagnosis in 52% of roentgenologically equivocal findings (136 skeletal parts). In 40% of these patients even by computed tomography metastasis was only suspected, in 8% there were unspecific findings, while by follow-up bone metastasis was proven. In 64.8% of the whole patient collective there were metastatic destructions and in 32.6% of patients benign lesions were found. Superiority of CT compared to conventional x-ray diagnosis resulted from exact demonstration of the intra- and extraosseous extent of lesions and the possibility of density measurements. It depended mainly upon the localisation of the pathologic process.

[Value of 3-phase skeletal scintigraphy in the diagnosis of bone metastases]

51 patients suffering from 125 bone metastases of various primary tumors were investigated with three-phase skeletal scintigraphy in an attempt to define criteria characteristic for bone metastases with regard to differential diagnosis. During the 3 phases of imaging, the metastases exhibited 5 different patterns of activity concentration. None of these patterns was correlated either to the size and morphological X-ray appearance of the metastases or to the histology of the primary tumors. The intensity of radionuclide concentration was also varying. The most frequent patterns of activity concentration were increased uptake during the blood-pool phase and skeletal phase combined with absence of concentration during the angiographical phase (43%), and increased uptake during all of the 3 phases (34%). In this series, a pattern of scintigraphical findings characteristic for bone metastases or helpful in the differential diagnosis could not be determined. In our experience, three-phase skeletal scintigraphy is not useful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of bone metastases.

[Intra-arterial dynamic computed tomography in characterizing liver metastases of colorectal cancer]

Locoregional chemotherapy of liver metastases from colorectal tumours is a promising new approach. The results of CT in fifteen patients after intravenous and intra-arterial contrast injection are compared. The liver metastases are supplied mainly by the arterial route and this permits a means of assessing therapy. Contrast injections through a hepatic catheter may result in flow phenomena which limits the value of this investigation. It is unknown whether such flow phenomena may influence the result of intra-arterial chemotherapy. Although the margins of the metastases were more clearly defined, diagnostic accuracy was not increased, as compared with intravenous CT enhancement.

[Bone marrow scintigraphy using radiocolloids in bone metastases. Sensitivity, specificity, reliability and indications]

The sensitivity and specificity of bone marrow scintigraphy in demonstrating skeletal metastases was examined in 40 patients with focal metastases. Radiology and MDP scintigraphy were used as reference methods. Sensitivity depends on the region of the skeleton. False negatives are the rule in parts of the skeleton containing little bone marrow. In relation to the entire bone marrow content, sensitivity is 0.64. The high proportion of false negatives (36%) in the presence of confirmed metastases and the incomplete demonstration of the bone marrow makes marrow scintigraphy unsuitable as a screening method. Occasionally lesions confined to the marrow can be demonstrated when radiographs and bone scintigrams are still negative. In advanced cases, marrow scintigraphy can demonstrate the extent of destruction of the bone marrow. Demonstration of displacement or of an 'empty bone' is evidence of invasion of the bone marrow in patients with tumours. In patients with reduced haematopoiesis of unknown origin or unidentified diffuse skeletal uptake, bone marrow scintigraphy may provide valuable information.

[Functional heterogeneity of liver metastases in 3-phase computerized tomograms]

Ninety patients with liver metastases (68 colorectal carcinomas, 22 breast carcinomas) were examined by triphasic angio-CT. This included demonstration of the entire liver after a bolus-like injection of contrast. Originally, the metastases were hypodense, but showed four patterns of contrast enhancement. Quantitative evaluation of the mammary carcinomas showed a marked increase in density during the bolus phase, with similar contrast values in the liver and at the centre and edge of the metastasis at ten minutes after the injection. Colorectal carcinomas showed only slight increase in density after contrast injection. The difference in density between the centre and the periphery of the metastasis was still present on later images. This finding indicates that there are differences in the vascularisation of these metastases.

[Scintigraphic diagnosis of neuroblastoma using meta-iodobenzylguanidine]

In 1979/80 meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) was introduced as a radiopharmaceutical agent with high affinity to the adrenal medulla. It could be shown, that scintigraphic imaging with 131J labeled MIBG is a sensitive and highly specific method for localization of pheochromocytoma. In this connection we could demonstrate in 1983 that neuroblastoma can be visualized scintigraphically with MIBG as well. Until now 13 patients were examined with 131J-MIBG by our group: In 10 children with histologically proven neuroblastoma we found a specific enrichment in the tumor area. Besides the primary tumor local recurrence and metastases to bones, bone marrow and brain were detected. There was no neuroblastoma manifestation without MIBG uptake. In 3 patients with tumors other than neuroblastoma no uptake of MIBG was noticed. The results agree with those of other studies: If the physiological pattern of distribution is taken into consideration and if the proper imaging technique is adapted, 131J-MIBG scintigraphy is a highly sensitive and specific method for staging, monitoring of disease and follow-up of neuroblastoma.

Pulmonary hyalinizing granulomas

Little has been written about pulmonary hyalinizing granuloma as a cause of nodules in the lungs. In a patient with a past history of carcinoma of the breast, the diagnosis made a significant difference in the prognosis.

[Diagnosis and therapy control of neuroblastoma using meta-iodo- benzylguanidine]

Meta-iodine-benzylguanidine (MIBG) scanning provides, for the first time, specific radiological means for diagnosis, treatment follow-up and post-treatment care of patients with neuroblastoma. Of 10 such patients studied by MIBG scanning, 7 had histologically confirmed neuroblastoma. In 6 of them there was markedly increased activity in the primary tumor, in 3 metastases were demonstrated. In at least one patient the intensity of increased activity suggested the possibility of selective therapeutic administration.

[Computed tomography and scintigraphy in malignant pheochromocytoma]

Two patients with malignant metastasising phaeochromocytomas are described. Special attention is paid to the findings on computed tomography and scintigraphy with meta-I-benzylguanidine. The scintigraphic findings are not uniform. A review of the literature has shown that the sensitivity of scintigraphy is less for malignant phaeochromocytomas than it is for benign tumours.