High Smac/DIABLO expression is associated with early local recurrence of cervical cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In a recent pilot report, we showed that Smac/DIABLO mRNA is expressed <it>de novo </it>in a subset of cervical cancer patients. We have now expanded this study and analyzed Smac/DIABLO expression in the primary lesions in 109 cervical cancer patients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We used immunohistochemistry of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections to analyze Smac/DIABLO expression in the 109 primary lesions. Seventy-eight samples corresponded to epidermoid cervical cancer and 31 to cervical adenocarcinoma. The median follow up was 46.86 months (range 10–186).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Smac/DIABLO was expressed in more adenocarcinoma samples than squamous tumours (71% vs 50%; p = 0.037). Among the pathological variables, a positive correlation was found between Smac/DIABLO immunoreactivity and microvascular density, a marker for angiogenesis (p = 0.04). Most importantly, Smac/DIABLO immunoreactivity was associated with a higher rate of local recurrence in squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.002, log rank test). No association was found between Smac/DIABLO and survival rates.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Smac/DIABLO expression is a potential marker for local recurrence in cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients.</p

Van Wyk–Grumbach Syndrome and Gonadectomy

Van Wyk–Grumbach syndrome (VWGS) refers to the development of peripheral precocious puberty, long-standing hypothyroidism, and gonadal masses; when not diagnosed, an unnecessary gonadectomy may be performed. Herein, we present a case of a 10-year-old girl with Down’s syndrome, short stature, and vitiligo who presented to our hospital with vaginal bleeding and a palpable pelvic mass. Upon ultrasound and topographical examination, bilateral ovarian masses with negative tumor markers were detected. After bilateral gonadectomy, endocrine studies revealed profound hypothyroidism and peripheral puberty that led to the VWGS syndrome diagnosis (TSH 367.3 mUI/mL, isolated menstruation, indetectable LH, and elevated estradiol). Levothyroxine treatment improved obesity and short stature, and sexual hormone replacement began at 13 years of age. The literature on Van Wyk–Grumbach syndrome shows that it presents most often in women, and classic hypothyroidism symptoms always precede the diagnosis. Approximately 11% of patients have Down’s syndrome, sometimes tumor markers are elevated, and some develop severe symptoms (myopathy, short stature, mental delay, ascites, pericardial effusion, Cullen’s sign, pituitary hyperplasia, and severe anemia) that respond to levothyroxine treatment. Conclusions: Children with peripheral precocious puberty and gonadal masses must be studied for hypothyroidism before any radical decision is made

Cierre percutáneo del conducto arterioso permeable utilizando el Amplatzer vascular Plug II

Amplatzer vascular Plug II (AVP II) es un dispositivo oclusor autoexpandible, indicado para oclusiones arteriales o venosas en la vasculatura periférica. Objetivo: Describir nuestra experiencia clínica inicial con el AVP II, en el cierre percutáneo del conducto arterioso permeable pequeño. Métodos: Analizamos retrospectivamente, siete pacientes sometidos a oclusión percutánea del conducto arterioso. El AVP II se eligió con un diámetro mayor a 50% del diámetro mínimo del conducto arterioso. Resultados: Los pacientes evidenciaron un conducto arterioso con un diámetro mínimo de 1.5 ± 1.4 (intervalo: 0.8 a 4.7mm). Se logró un implante exitoso y con adecuada oclusión angiográfica en seis pacientes. Un paciente fue enviado a cirugía. Sólo observamos una complicación mayor. El ecocardiograma transtorácico a las 24 horas, confirmó la oclusión completa en estos pacientes. El seguimiento fue de 10.6 ± 9.1 meses. Conclusiones: El AVP II, en este grupo de pacientes mostró ser seguro y efectivo para el cierre percutáneo del conducto arterioso