Showing papers by "British Hospital published in 2003"

Changes in postural control parameters after vestibular rehabilitation in patients with central vestibular disorders.

Abstract: Objective—The aim of this study was to determine postural responses before and after a vestibular rehabilitation program (VRP) in 14 patients with central vestibular disorders (CVD). Material and Methods—The confidence ellipse (CE) of the center of pressure distribution area and the sway velocity (SV) were the parameters used for the quantitative assessment of postural control (PC). These two parameters were analyzed before and after a VRP for two visual conditions. Behavioral postural responses were studied by means of the time–frequency scalogram using wavelets and the sway frequency content was measured in arbitrary units of energy density. Results—Ten patients showed a significant decrease in the CE and SV after the rehabilitative treatment, thus improving their PC. Seven of these patients were assessed again after a period of 12±5 months, during which they had not received any physical training. All of them showed increases in the CE and SV, indicating an impairment of PC. Conclusions—Many CVD patien...

Cutaneous sclerosing perineurioma of the digits: an uncommon soft‐tissue neoplasm. Report of two cases with immunohistochemical analysis

Abstract: Background: Cutaneous sclerosing perineurioma is a recently characterized, uncommon tumor composed of perineurial cells, which exhibits immunoreactivity for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). These lesions occur preferentially in children and young adults and usually develop as dermal or subcutaneous nodules in the hands or palms. Methods: We report two cases of cutaneous sclerosing perineurioma in young patients without stigmata of neurofibromatosis. Histologically, these lesions were well-circumscribed masses and were characterized by a variable number of epithelioid and spindle cells with wavy nuclei end elongated cytoplasmic processes embedded in a dense collagen stroma. Results: These cells showed focal whorling formation, demonstrated robust immunoreactivity for EMA and CD99, and were uniformly negative for S-100 protein, actin (HHF-35), CD34, cytokeratin AE1-3, and CD57. Conclusion: We comment on the differential diagnosis of fibrous cutaneous lesions based on immunohistochemistry.

Primary histiocytic sarcoma of the spleen associated with erythrophagocytic histiocytosis.

Abstract: We report an exceptional case of a histiocytic sarcoma presenting as a primary isolated spleen tumor in a 71-year-old woman. The neoplastic cells in the cords and sinuses of the red pulp formed multiple lobulated tumors, which were detected in vivo by ultrasound scan. The medium cells, large cells and the giant cells expressed CD68, a histiocyte-associated marker, lysozyme and S100 protein. All these cells were negative for B- and T-cell markers, cytokeratins, melanosome markers (HMB45) and CD1a (Langerhans' cells). Many tumor cells displayed strong erythrophagocytosis and sometimes lymphocytophagocytosis. In addition, numerous histiocytes with morphology indistinguishable from reactive macrophages also exhibited a strong erythrophagocytosis, and were found in the tumor as well as in the normal splenic parenchyma. Despite multi-agent chemotherapy, the patient suffered from a relapse in the liver, with a rapid fatal outcome. A literature review showed that such a primary splenic presentation with multiple tumors is rare. In contrast, in systemic malignant histiocytosis, secondary spleen involvement occurs more frequently but with diffuse infiltration. The association with a reactive histiocytosis with erythrophagocytosis corresponds to "histiocytic medullary reticulosis", as previously described by Scott and Robb-Smith.

Ten-year persistence of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen in healthcare workers vaccinated against hepatitis B virus, and response to booster vaccination.

Abstract: This study estimated the number of HCWs with protective antibody levels 5 and 10 years after HBV vaccination. Kaplan-Meier probabilities of protective levels were 0.95 at 60 days after vaccination, 0.87 at 5 years, and 0.79 at 10 years. Those without protective levels displayed good response 7 and 30 days after a booster.

Complete gallbladder and cystic pedicle torsion. Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Complete gallbladder torsion is an unusual emergency that requires immediate surgical treatment. Since it was first reported in 1898, <400 cases have been described in the literature, and only three of them were diagnosed and treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our objective here is to describe an approach that allows a definitive diagnosis and treatment. First we present the case of a febrile 81-year-old woman with acute right upper quadrant pain. Ultrasound showed an alithiasic distended gallbladder with a multilayered wall and a transverse orientation. When exploratory laparoscopy was performed, a gangrenous gallbladder secondary to a 360° clockwise cystic pedicle torsion was found. Laparoscopic decompression, detorsion, and cholecystectomy with an intraoperative cholangiogram were completed. The patient was discharged 72 h later. Next, several preoperative diagnostic methods are reviewed. We conclude that the laparoscopic treatment of this entity is feasible and obviates the performance of unnecessary and nonspecific tests. It offers a favorable and rapid postoperative recovery, in addition to the other well-known advantages of the minimally invasive surgical approach.