IMAGE CYTOMETRY FOR DNA ANALYSIS IN ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA CORRELATED WITH OTHER PROGNOSTIC PARAMETERS

We evaluated by static cytometry DNA ploidy parameters in 30 stage I-IV endometrial carcinomas and correlated these data with standard clinical-pathological features and disease-free period. We observed a direct correlation between either non-diploid DNA content and deeper myometrial invasion (p<0.02) or D.I.greater than or equal to 1.2 and M2-M3 tumors (p<0.009). The Kaplan Meier survival curves illustrate a more rapid relapse of disease associated with non-diploidy, high 5cExR, high level of proliferation and D.I.greater than or equal to 1.2. while Cox regression model gave relative hazards for disease recurrence of 4, 6, 3.7 and 2.1 for non-diploidy, D.I.greater than or equal to 1.2, high 5cExR and high level of proliferation respectively. This prospective study confirmed the prognostic value of DNA Index, and its usefulness in clinical practice especially in stage I cases, otherwise characterised by favourable standard prognostic factors, is discussed

Lack of association between genetic variants in the mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) gene and HPV infection

Genetic variants in the immunomodulatory gene mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2), were associated with risk, severity, and frequency of viral infections. In a case-control setting, we investigated the association of MBL2 functional polymorphisms with Human Papillomas Virus (HPV) infection. No differences between cases (HPV+) and controls (HPV-) were found in the distribution of each single genotypes or allele. Haplotype analysis did not show any difference between HPV+ and HPV- groups

MECKEL-GRUBER SYNDROME - ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS AT 13 WEEKS GESTATIONAL-AGE IN AN AT-RISK CASE

A case of early diagnosis at 13 weeks' gestational age of Meckel-Gruber syndrome by ultrasound is reported in a patient with a 25 per cent recurrence risk. The usefulness of genetic counselling and aimed echographic examination is discussed

Ultrasound diagnosis of fetal annular pancreas

A case of fetal 'duodenal' obstruction was brought to our attention at 37 weeks gestation. The patient was referred to our Prenatal Diagnosis Center with an ultrasound finding of 'double bubble' in the abdominal area of the fetus. We submitted the patient to an aimed ultrasound examination in order to establish the etiopathogenetic mechanism and to perfect the diagnosis. The ultrasound scans of the epigastric region strongly suggested the presence of annular pancreas. The diagnosis of duodenal stenosis due to annular pancreas was confirmed at birth and the infant underwent corrective surgery: duodeno-jejunostomy was successfully performed. We would like, in this context, to stress again the powerful diagnostic value of ultrasound investigation, when dealing with complex fetal malformations. The present report shows that high resolution echographic equipment and the ever-increasing qualification of medical staff make it possible to envisage the presence of annular pancreas already in prenatal life