Detection of BCR-ABL Positive Cells in an Asymptomatic Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

We report a case of an asymptomatic 39-year-old male who was incidentally found to have a white blood cell count of 15 000/mm3 associated with a positive BCR-ABL/t(9;22)(q34;q11) chromosomal translocation detected in 51/300 of cells by FISH and RT-PCR from peripheral blood. Within the next 3 months, leukocytosis spontaneously subsided; however, BCR-ABL by RT-PCR and FISH was persistent both in peripheral blood and bone marrow. The patient was not started on any therapy and is being followed regularly with laboratory checkup and physical examination for monitoring signs and symptoms of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and biological behavior of his BCR-ABL transcripts. At 1 year of surveillance, he is disease free; however he has persistent detection of BCR-ABL fusion gene. Our case is challenging because actual risk of developing CML in BCR-ABL positive healthy, asymptomatic patients is not known

Zidovudine-based lytic-inducing chemotherapy for Epstein–Barr virus-related lymphomas

Treatment of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-related lymphomas with lytic-inducing agents is an attractive targeted approach for eliminating virus-infected tumor cells. Zidovudine (AZT) is an excellent substrate for EBV-thymidine kinase: it can induce EBV lytic gene expression and apoptosis in primary EBV+ lymphoma cell lines. We hypothesized that the combination of AZT with lytic-inducing chemotherapy agents would be effective in treating EBV+ lymphomas. We report a retrospective analysis of 19 patients with aggressive EBV+ non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including nine cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome-associated primary central nervous system lymphoma (AIDSPCNSL) treated with AZT-based chemotherapy. Our results demonstrate that high-dose AZT–methotrexate is efficacious in treating highly aggressive systemic EBV+ lymphomas in the upfront setting. In primary EBV+ lymphoma cell lines, the combination of AZT with hydroxyurea resulted in synergistic EBV lytic induction and cell death. Further, AZT–hydroxyurea treatment resulted in dramatic responses in patients with AIDSPCNSL. The combination of AZT with chemotherapy, especially lytic-inducing agents, should be explored further in clinical trials for the treatment of EBV-related lymphomas

Esophageal cancer presenting with atrial fibrillation: A case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Atrial fibrillation was previously reported in patients with esophageal cancer as a complication of total esophagectomy or photodynamic therapy. Here, we propose that atrial fibrillation may also be caused by external compression of the left atrium by esophageal cancer.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a 58-year-old man who developed atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate in the emergency room while being evaluated for dysphagia and weight loss. Atrial fibrillation lasted less than 12 hours and did not recur. Echocardiogram did not reveal any structural heart disease. A 10-cm, ulcerated mid-esophageal mass was seen during esophagogastroscopy. Microscopic examination showed squamous cell carcinoma. Computed tomography of the chest revealed esophageal thickening compressing the left atrium.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>External compression of the left atrium was previously reported to provoke atrial fibrillation. Similarly, esophageal cancer may precipitate atrial fibrillation by mechanical compression of the left atrium or pulmonary veins, triggering ectopic beats in susceptible patients.</p

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia associated with gastrointestinal tract diseases

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a common site of bleeding that may lead to iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Treatment of IDA depends on severity and acuity of patients’ signs and symptoms. While red blood cell transfusions may be required in hemodynamically unstable patients, transfusions should be avoided in chronically anemic patients due to their potential side effects and cost. Iron studies need to be performed after episodes of GI bleeding and stores need to be replenished before anemia develops. Oral iron preparations are efficacious but poorly tolerated due to non-absorbed iron-mediated GI side effects. However, oral iron dose may be reduced with no effect on its efficacy while decreasing side effects and patient discontinuation rates. Parenteral iron therapy replenishes iron stores quicker and is better tolerated than oral therapy. Serious hypersensitive reactions are very rare with new intravenous preparations. While data on worsening of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity by oral iron therapy are not conclusive, parenteral iron therapy still seems to be advantageous in the treatment of IDA in patients with IBD, because oral iron may not be sufficient to overcome the chronic blood loss and GI side effects of oral iron which may mimic IBD exacerbation. Finally, we believe the choice of oral vs parenteral iron therapy in patients with IBD should primarily depend on acuity and severity of patients’ signs and symptoms

Hepatic Venous Outflow Obstruction: Three Similar Syndromes

Our goal is to provide a detailed review of venoocclusive disease (VOD), Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), and congestive hepatopathy(CH), all of which results in hepatic venous outflow obstruction. This is the first article in which all three syndromes have been reviewed, enabling the reader to compare the characteristics of these disorders. The histological findings in VOID, BCS, and CH are almost identical: sinusoidal congestion and cell necrosis mostly in perivenular areas of hepatic acini which eventually leads to bridging fibrosis between adjacent central veins. Tender hepatomegaly with jaundice and ascites is common to all three conditions. However, the clinical presentation depends mostly on the extent and rapidity of the outflow obstruction. Although the etiology and treatment are completely different in VOID, BCS, and CH; the similarities in clinical manifestations and liver histology may suggest a common mechanism of hepatic injury and adaptation in response to increased sinusoidal pressure. (C) 2007 The WJG Press. All rights reserved.Wo

Molecular basis and management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Molecularly targeted agents have dramatically impacted the management of several cancers. Targeting KIT has led to a new treatment paradigm in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). KIT is a cell surface receptor with tyrosine kinases that, upon binding of its ligand, stem cell factor, activates various signaling pathways. Imatinib and sunitinib, both tyrosine kinase inhibitors directed to KIT, were approved for first- and second-line treatment of metastatic and unresectable GISTs. In this article, we will review the molecular pathogenesis of GISTs followed by a discussion of imatinib and sunitinib’s role in the treatment of GISTs. Finally, we will introduce novel therapeutic options for imatinib- and sunitinib-resistant GISTs

Primary Pituitary Lymphoma: Idiopathic Anasarca with Relapse in Bone Marrow Only

We report a case of primary large B cell-type pituitary lymphoma in a 47-year-old immunocompetent female who presented with headache and cranial nerve palsy. She was treated with the DeAngelis chemotherapy protocol and achieved a complete remission. At 1 and 6 months after completion of chemotherapy, she presented with anasarca and was diagnosed with relapse exclusively in the bone marrow twice. She received 8 cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy and had complete resolution of anasarca. Consequently, we proceeded with salvage chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of primary pituitary lymphoma that relapsed exclusively in the bone marrow and presented with clinical findings of idiopathic anasarca