Primary ALK-1-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the brain: Case report and review of the literature

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma composed of CD30-positive cells. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) -1 positive ALCL frequently involves both lymph nodes and extranodal sites. While primary extranodal involvement of ALK-1 negative ALCL is rare, this case is unique in that it is a case of primary ALK-1 negative ALCL of the brain. A 79-year-old man presented with dementia-like symptoms. Neuroimaging revealed a well-enhanced mass in the left parieto-occipital region. The tumor was excised and histological diagnosis of primary ALK-1-negative ALCL was made. Primary ALK-1-negative ALCL in this case showed aggressive clinical behavior and fatal outcome. It is of great importance to avoid any delay in reaching an accurate diagnosis, as even primary ALCL of the brain is too seldom suspected clinically.ArticleNEUROPATHOLOGY. 29(2):166-171 (2009)journal articl

Standard and limitation of intraoperative monitoring of the visual evoked potential

Visual evoked potential (VEP) has been installed as one of the intraoperative visual function monitoring. It remains unclear, however, whether intraoperative VEP monitoring facilitates as a real time visual function monitoring with satisfactory effectiveness and sensitivity. To evaluate this, relationships between VEP waveform changes and postoperative visual function were analysed retrospectively. Intraoperative VEP monitoring was carried out for 106 sides (eyes) in 53 surgeries, including two intraorbital, 36 parasellar and 15 cortical lesions in Shinshu University Hospital under total intravenous anaesthesia. Red light flash stimulation was provided to each eye independently. VEP recording and postoperative visual function were analysed. In 103 out of 106 sides (97%), steady VEP monitoring was recorded. Stable VEP was acquired from eyes having corrected visual acuity greater than 0.4. VEP was not recorded in one side with corrected visual acuity of 0.3 and two sides in whom sevoflurane was used incidentally for anaesthesia. Transient VEP decrease was observed in three sides, but visual function was preserved. Permanent VEP decrease was seen in seven sides, which presented visual impairment postoperatively. In one side, visual acuity improved but minor visual field defect was encountered postoperatively, though VEP unchanged throughout the surgery. Intraoperative monitoring of VEP predicts postoperative visual function: reversible change in VEP means visual function to be preserved. Visual field defect without decrease in the visual acuity may not be predicted by VEP monitoring. Intraoperative VEP monitoring will be mandatory for surgeries harbouring a risk of visual impairment.ArticleACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA. 152(4):643-648 (2010)journal articl

Gliosarcoma arising from a fibrillary astrocytoma

We report a 67-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a gliosarcoma at a second operation after diagnosis of a fibrillary astrocytoma 5 months previously. Initially, she underwent a CT-guided stereotactic biopsy. Histological examination showed fibrillary astrocytoma (World Health Organization [WHO] grade II). Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on 1 p, 10q, and 19q was not detected. She received chemotherapy, but no radiotherapy. Five months after the biopsy, MRI revealed rapid tumor growth. Tissue obtained from partial removal of the tumor revealed gliosarcoma (WHO grade IV), and LOH on 10q and 19q was detected. The history, histopathology, and genetic alterations of this patient are discussed.ArticleJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE. 18(9):1251-1254 (2011)journal articl

Morphological character changes through decapodid-stage larva and juveniles in the ghost shrimp Nihonotrypaea harmandi from western Kyushu, Japan: Clues for inferring pre- and post-settlement states and processes

Some decapod crustaceans release larvae from estuarine or coastal shores to coastal oceans. Decapodids (last-stage larvae) return home, settle, and metamorphose into juveniles I, which go through further instars. Several morphological characters degenerate or develop in response to lifestyle transitions. Using a burrow-dwelling callianassid shrimp, Nihonotrypaea harmandi, inhabiting an intertidal sandflat in a coastal boundary layer adjacent to coastal ocean, this study described morphological changes and drew inferences about states and processes in its early life history. Decapodid and juveniles were differentiated by linea thalassinica on carapace. In the laboratory, the decapodid stage lasted 3-6d. Given choice between sandy sediments from coastal ocean bed and adult habitat, decapodids exhibited no preference, suggesting broad receptiveness. The shortest durations of the juvenile-I, -II, and -III were estimated at 6d each. Starved decapodids normally metamorphosed into juveniles I, showing secondary lecithotrophy. The non-feeding state could be extended through the juvenile I (and possibly juvenile II), where the mean total lengths of shrimps reared in groups with food (diatoms) remained about 4.6mm. Post-settlement decapodids reared individually resumed feeding. The rostrum lengths in decapodids were ≥0.36mm on the initial two dates (Days 0 and 1), after which the mean values rapidly reduced to 0.30-0.36mm on Day 2 and below 0.30mm thereafter. The pereiopod exopods disappeared through the decapodid stage from four pairs to almost zero by Day 4. In the coastal ocean, no juveniles occurred, and almost all decapodids had rostrum lengths ≥0.30mm and 3 or 4 pereiopod exopods, suggesting their pre-settlement state. Of the smallest shrimps collected on the sandflat for their subsequent rearing there, 74% were estimated to be Day-0 or -1 decapodids based on their rostrum lengths. This and the laboratory experimental results suggest (1) the acquisition of competence for settlement by newly-metamorphosed decapodids while in the coastal ocean, which was nevertheless realized there and (2) their rapid transport by flood tidal currents from coastal ocean to sandflat. The newly-settled decapodids grew steadily at 0.2mmd-1 in total length. The reared juveniles reached the smallest adult size in 80d. The uropod expod changed from elliptical to sub-circular in shape markedly around the termination of the juvenile II or III, suggesting the acquisition of ventilating function for benthic life. Overall, the post-settlement shrimps can be staged by total-length ranges as 4-5.5mm for decapodids, 5.5-10mm for juveniles, and 10-20mm for sub-adults. •Decapodid and juveniles of a callianassid shrimp were reared in laboratory and field.•Ontogenetic morphological change and growth in decapodid and juveniles were given.•Feeding mode, substratum selectivity, and duration for decapodid stage were examined•Two degenerating characters gave clues to infer states in field-collected decapodids.•One developing character in juveniles was related with burrow-dwelling lifestyle