A rare case of isolated hydatid cyst of breast

Introduction: Hydatid cyst of the breast is very rare. It is challenging to differentiate it from other tumoral lesions of the breast. Only few reports of breast hydatid cyst are published and majority of the reported cases have been diagnosed postoperatively as it is not possible to reach definitive diagnosis with clinical examination and radiological investigations only. Presentation of case: A 31-year old woman presented with a painless lump in the right breast since one year duration. On clinical examination, a non-mobile, firm lump was detected in the right breast associated with nipple retraction, but there was no axillary lymphadenopathy. This case was diagnosed as hydatid cyst incidentally during surgery from its gross appearance which mimics that of a liver hydatid cyst, normally common in this endemic area. Discussion: Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus and seen endemically among sheep-raising communities. The breast can be a primary site or part of a disseminated hydatidosis. It might mimic fibroadenoma, phyllodes tumors, chronic abscesses, or even carcinoma. Preoperative diagnosis can be made by fine needle aspiration cytology. It also can be diagnosed by radiological or serologic means but neither of them is definitive. Surgery is the treatment of choice. Conclusion: Hydatid cyst of the breast is very uncommon but it should be included in differential diagnosis of breast lumps for patients living in endemic areas

Genotype by environment interactions across diverse rainfed lowland rice environments

The nature of genotype by environment (G x E) interactions in rainfed lowland rice was examined using data for 37 genotypes across 36 environments in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines from 1994 to 1997. G x E interaction accounted for 32% of the total sum of squares, with environment and genotype responsible for 63% and 5%, respectively. More than 47% of the G x E sum of squares was captured by a nine genotype group by nine environment group summary. Sites with similar characteristics were tightly grouped, as were related genotypes, Environment groups included some with favourable water supply, and others with early drought, late drought, rapid-onset late drought, and submergence. Groupings of genotypes could be explained by their performance in relation to these conditions. PSBRc14, IR36 and IR64 had high yield potential and performed well over most environments, while CT9897-55-2-M-3-M and the Fl hybrids IR64615H and IR68877H also had high yield potential but only performed well with adequate water supply and where standing water remained shallow. Groups including Mahsuri, and IR62266-42-6-1 and IR57514-PMI-5-B-1-2, were stable across environments. NSG19 was preferentially adapted to environments with rapid-onset fate drought, and Sabita and KDML105 to environments favouring late maturity or recovery after drought. Implications of these results for choice and management of testing sites, and identification of suitable reference lines for the breeding program were discussed. A probe set of six lines was identified to include Sabita or KDML105, NSG19, Mahsuri, IR57514-PMI-5-B-1-2 or IR62266-42-6-1, PSBRc14 and CT9897-55-2-M-3-M, which represent broad and specific adaptations to the major target subecosystems in rainfed lowland rice systems. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved