Showing papers in "National Medical Journal of China in 1992"

Epidemiological study of selective IgA deficiency among 6 nationalities in China

Abstract: The frequency of selective IgA deficiency (SIgAD) was determined in 33,171 Chinese distributed in six nationalities by Ouchterlony's double diffusion with 5 mg/dl as the limit of detection. Those who were found IgA-deficient were retested by single radial diffusion technique. Gel diffusion analysis of sera revealed apparent lack of IgA in 8 samples, all with normal levels of IgG and IgM (age-matched). The incidence was 0.024% (1:4,100). The incidences among the six nationalities were Han 1:2,600, Hui 1:5,000, Mongolia 1:2,700, Tujia 1:4,300, Zhuang 0:5,300, and Bai 1:4,800. All of the individuals, who had low levels of IgA or no IgA detectable, were below 16 years of age. Of these, 2 sera were autoantibody (anti-smooth muscle antibody) positive Delayed hypersensitivity skin tests were negative in one individual. The chief clinical manifestations were those of respiratory tract infections, of which about 50% were in subclinical state.

Tailgut cyst with carcinoid: a case report.

Abstract: Tailgut cyst, an unusual presacral lesion, is lined by a variety of epithelial types including squamous, columnar, transitional and cuboidal epithelium. Disorganized fascicles of smooth muscle may be seen in the cystic wall. Tailgut cysts are usually multiloculated, and often afflict adult women. In rare cases, adenocarcinoma arises within the tailgut cyst. We present a carcinoid tumor developing from the tailgut cyst. The tumor cells grow in ribbon and festoon patterns and are positive for argyrophilic granules. Immunostains for neuron-specific enolase are also positive. Ultrastructurally, dense-core, membrane-bounded neurosecretory granules are present.

[Effects of consanguineous marriages on hereditary diseases: a study of the Han ethnic group in different geographic districts of Zhejiang Province].

Abstract: The frequency and effects of hereditary diseases of consanguineous marriage (CM) in 210 965 Han nationality people in different districts of Zhejiang province were investigated. Of 44342 couples in three different regions, 951 (2.14%) were proved to be of CM. The frequency of CM was 3.02% in Mi as against 1.13% in Pi and 2.50% in Ii. There were 19 types and 81.07% of CM occurred in the first cousins, of which 0.95% occurred in semisiblings. The frequency of hereditary disease and the mortality before the age of 20 in the offsprings of CM were significantly higher than those of non-CM (P < 0.01). 104 types of hereditary disease and congenital malformation were found. The frequency of mental retardation was 2/1000. There were 197 high risk families which contained 19-types of hereditary disease.

Magnesium sulfate in prevention of preterm labor

Abstract: To observe the efficacy of magnesium sulfate in the treatment of preterm labor, 65 uncomplicated cases of preterm labor between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation were studied prospectively during Sep. 1988-May 1991. They were divided into two groups randomly. 30 cases were treated with magnesium sulfate and 35 cases with barbiturates or bed rest. The prevention of delivery for at least 48 hours after the initiation of therapy was achieved in 23 of the 30 cases (76.67%) of the magnesium sulfate group and in 3 of the 35 cases (8.57%) in the control group. Delay of more than 7 days was achieved in 17 of the 30 cases (56.67%) and in 2 of the 35 cases (5.71%). The postponement of delivery between the two groups. There was highly significantly difference (P less than 0.01). There was a significant correlation of cervical dilation at the onset of treatment to success of controlling preterm labor. In the magnesium sulfate group, the mean magnesium level to achieve tocolysis was 2.8 +/- 0.35 mmol/L (mean +/- s). The side effects to the mothers, fetus, and the neonates were mild and not prominent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Successful management of perforating injury of right atrium by chest tube.

Abstract: Tube thoracostomy is an invasive procedure caring about 1% complication rate. Most confronted complications include diaphragm or lung laceration [1-3], damage to intrabdominal organ, intercostal artery bleeding and unilateral pulmonary edema. Here we present another rare complication of perforation of the right atrium which occurred in a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) who had received mitral valve replacement (MVR) and tricuspid annuloplasty. Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with huge right atrium was noted. Chest tube was inserted for pleural effusion drainage. The lesion was proved to be in the right atrium by echocardiography and computerized tomography three days later. The penetrated hole was repaired with bovine pericardium patch with minimal blood loss. This case attests to the extreme caution warranted when performing tube thoracostomy in patient with huge cardiomegaly.

[Epidemiologic study of head injuries in Taipei City, Taiwan].

Abstract: This study was designed to examine the descriptive epidemiology of head injuries in an urban population in the Taiwan area, Taipei City, during the period from July 1, 1987 to June 30, 1988. Clinical records reviewed included emergency room (ER) charts, inpatient charts of 19 major hospitals, death registration forms and medical examiners' reports in this city. A formulated definition was used to identify patients with head injuries. A total of 4,692 cases were collected, which included 4,319 hospital inpatients and 373 non-hospital deaths. The average incidence rate for head injury was 180/100,000 per year, 246/100,000 for males and 111/100,000 for females. The highest incidence rate was observed in the elderly group followed by the age group of 20-29 years. Sixty eight percent of the head injuries were caused by traffic accidents, 59.7 percent of which were involved in motorcycle rides. This rate was higher than those in any western reports. Among the 10-39 age group, the head injuries caused by traffic accidents were mainly due to motorcycle accidents. However, most of the children and the elderly who were injured were either pedestrians or bicycle riders. The average mortality rate was 23/100,000 per year, 34/100,000 for males and 12/100,000 for females. Initially the Glasgow Coma Scale was used in assessing the severity of head injuries. Seventy-two percent of the cases were considered mild, and 28 percent moderate to severe in degree, including 609 deaths.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Language: zh

Carcinoid tumor localized in the liver--two cases report: immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies.

Abstract: Two cases of carcinoid tumors, considered to be probably hepatic in origin, occurring in a 53-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman are reported. In both cases no endocrine syndrome appeared, and an alternative primary source of the tumor was not found in case two, despite an intensive search at operation. The neoplasms in both cases were soft, firm, brown-pink and well-encapsulated. They were composed of small uniform cells, that had distinct borders and grew in insular, nests, trabeculae and strands that were separated by a delicate fibrous stroma. Stains of argentaffin and argyrophil showed strong positivity in both cases. The immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies all demonstrated characteristics of a carcinoid. The postoperative recovery was good. They have remained well 5 years later in case 1 and 3 years in case 2 after surgical treatment. Literature concerning this rare condition is also reviewed.

Effect of cordyceps sinensis on cellular immunity in rats with chronic renal insufficiency

Abstract: Animal model of chronic renal failure (CRF) was induced in wistar rats by 5/6 nephrectomy. Half of the rats were treated with Cordyceps sinensis (CS) in form of decoction. It was found that CS has mitogenic effect on spleen lymphocytes, and is capable of increasing the production of IL-2 from splenocytes of the CRF rats. IL-2 absorbency of the splenocytes was promoted by CS. CS also exhibited such therapeutic effects on CRF animal as to decrease the level of BUN and serum creatinine and to increase the level of hemoglobin. These results indicate that CS has a regulative effect on cellular immunity in CRF rats.

Thyrotoxicosis accompanied with periodic seizure attacks a case report and review of literature.

Abstract: A 58-year-old female was admitted and discovered to be a victim of thyrotoxicosis. She had experience periodic seizure attacks for 14 months. These seizures disappeared when function of the thyroid returned to normal. We performed many studies to search for the cause of the seizures. No epileptic focus could be detected from an EEG or a MRI of the brain. There was no abnormal laboratory data such as: hypoglycemia, hypoxemia, serum electrolyte imbalance, or an acid-base imbalance. No evidence of CNS infection was noted. She had good response to antithyroid treatment. We therefore suggest, that the seizure attacks may be related to thyrotoxicosis. In reviewing the literature, we found that only 13 cases of thyrotoxicosis with seizures have been reported since 1956 [1-9].

Intracranial germ cell tumors

Abstract: We report on 19 cases of intracranial germ cell tumors, including 12 male and 7 female patients; the average age was 165 +/- 49 years These tumors included germinoma in 15 cases, yolk sac tumor in 3 cases, embryonal cell carcinoma in 1 case, and mixed tumor in 3 cases Each of 5 cases had 2 to 3 different kinds of tumor cells, either in one tumor or in different tumors The locations of tumors were pineal region in 13 cases, suprasellar region in 3 cases, basal ganglion-thalamus in 3 cases, and cerebral hemispheres in 4 cases Six of them had 2 or more locations One case had spinal seeding and extraneural metastasis to the liver, retroperitoneum and neck lymph nodes Eighteen cases received CT scan and 6 cases received MRI examinations, all the tumors had good enhancement by iodium content contrast medium in CT and Gadolinium-DTPA in MRI Alfa-fetoprotein was elevated in yolk sac tumor, AFT and HCG were elevated only slightly or remained normal in germinoma Germinomas had good response to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, while nongerminoma had poor response and worse prognosis

Thyroglossal duct cyst: an analysis of 92 cases.

Abstract: From 1983 to 1989, ninety-two in hospital cases of surgically treated thyroglossal duct cysts were reviewed. 4 patients (4%) were found to have metaplastic changes of the lining epithelium. Recurrence and the potential for malignancy are two main problems in the treatment of thyroglossal duct cyst. We advocate the Sistrunk procedure to be the choice of surgical treatment for thyroglossal duct cyst.

Community-based survey on blood pressure, blood biochemistry and dietary habits in Pu-Li, Taiwan.

Abstract: The target population of this study were all residents over the age of 30 in Pu-Li. Stratified cluster sampling was employed. Household visits were carried out in 1987 by the Yang-Ming Crusade, organized by well-trained medical students of the National Yang-Ming Medical College. A total of 1,738 persons out of a potential 2,573 eligible subjects were contacted by at least one of the two interviews or a blood draw. The crude and adjusted (for vacant households) rates were 68% and 84% respectively. Age, sex, and education were evenly distributed. The distribution of physiological variables and blood biochemistry were as follows: 23.0 +/- 3.2 for body mass index (BMI = kg/m2; men 22.8 +/- 3.0, women 23.2 +/- 3.3), 129.7 +/- 20.7 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (men 130.4 +/- 19.6 mmHg, women 128.9 +/- 21.8 mmHg), 81.9 +/- 12.9 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (men 82.9 +/- 12.8 mmHg, women 80.9 +/- 12.9 mmHg), 103.6 +/- 29.6 mg/dl for fasting plasma glucose (men 101.8 +/- 21.9 mg/dl, women 105.2 +/- 35.2 mg/dl), 222.1 +/- 57.2 mg/dl for cholesterol (men 221.9 +/- 56.5 mg/dl, women 222.3 +/- 57.9 mg/dl), 162.7 +/- 115.5 mg/dl for triglyceride (men 170.3 +/- 117.1 mg/dl, women 155.7 +/- 113.6 mg/dl), 5.8 +/- 3.0 mg/dl for uric acid (men 6.5 +/- 4.8 mg/dl, women 5.2 +/- 1.5 mg/dl). Blood pressure and blood biochemistry variables were positively associated with age. Comparatively, men had much more unhealthy life styles than women; due to prevalences for cigarette smoking (56.0% vs. 3.0%), alcohol intake (43.8% vs. 6.6%) and betel-nut chewing (18.2% vs. 0.8%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Surveillance of fetal growth and fetal cerebellar transverse diameter by ultrasonographic measurement

Abstract: Measured fetal transverse cerebellar diameters were obtained by ultrasonography in 325 women during 20-42 weeks of gestation A nomogram for transverse cerebellar diameter with respect to gestational age was generated Curvilinear relationship was found between the transverse cerebellar diameter and the gestational age (R = 099624, P less than 00005) Fetal transverse cerebellar diameter, biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal diameter, abdominal circumference and femur length were measured by ultrasound in 39 women not more than one week before delivery Correlation coefficients between the birth weights and these parameters were studied It was found that the correlation between the transverse cerebellar diameter and the birth weight was the highest The function of the transverse cerebellar diameter in the evaluation of fetal growth and development is better than any other parameter The transverse cerebellar diameters of 20 IUGR cases were obtained It was indicated that the growth of the transverse cerebellar diameter slowed down in primary symmetric IUGR, and was unaffected in secondary asymmetric IUGR Thus it has clinical diagnostic value in symmetric IUGR When combined with the abdominal circumference, the fetal cerebellar transverse diameter may help to differentiate the types of growth-retarded fetuses

Operative laparoscopy in benign cystic teratoma of ovary.

Abstract: Eighteen women of reproductive age underwent laparoscopic management of unilateral ovarian benign cystic teratoma from 3 to 7 cm in diameter. Nine patients received pelviscopic enucleation of ovarian cysts and nine patients received unilateral oophorectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy. No major surgical complication was encountered and the hospital stay was short. Our series suggest that operative laparoscopy is a safe and effective method in the management of benign cystic teratoma.

Survey of heavy metals in traditional Chinese medicinal preparations

Abstract: Traditional Chinese medicinal preparations are still widely used by natives in Taiwan. Some traditional Chinese medicine prepared with ancient formulas have been found to contain some heavy metals. There has been an occasional pediatric case admitted with heavy metal intoxication. In the last two years, we collected 11 ancient formula drug samples from the families of the patients. We detected the heavy metals with an inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The final result of our report reveals the problem of heavy metals in traditional Chinese medicinal preparations as being very serious.

Response of left ventricular ejection performance following balloon valvuloplasty in patients with mitral stenosis.

Abstract: In order to see if any change of left ventricular ejection performance (LEVP) would occur after successful balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV), a prospective study on echocardiography and calibrated carotid pulse tractings was performed two days before, two days and then six months after BMV in 24 patients with pure rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS). Echocardiographic parameters representing preload i.e. end-diastolic volume index (EDVI); afterload i.e. end-systolic wall stress (ESS), and the indices of LVEP i.e. ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening, rate-corrected velocity of circumferential shortening (VCFc) and a ratio of ESS over end-systolic volume index (ESS/ESVI) were measured. A group of 66 normal subjects was used to establish the 95% confidence interval of the echo parameters. The incidence of depressed LVEP in MS patients was about 21% when measured by load-independent index i.e. ESS/ESVI. In the MS group, 7 out 24 (29%) patients achieved an increased cardiac index after BMV. Six (25%) MS patients showed an EF below 95% confidence interval of control (less than 55%) before BMV and, of these 6, only 3 patients increased their EDVI after the BMV. Those who showed an EF greater than or equal to 55% before BMV gave no change in their preload (EDVI) after the BMV. Only one MS patient showed high afterload (ESS) both before and after BMV. However, the ESS/ESVI showed insignificant improvement (p = 0.055) after BMV. It was therefore concluded that (1) a depressed LVEP is frequently seen in patients with MS; (2) LVEP can be improved by BMV in some (21%) patients with MS, and the improvement is not related to the change of preload or afterload but more likely secondary to an increased myocardial contractility.

Endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal bleeding at emergency unit.

Abstract: From November 1, 1990 to January 31, 1991, 381 patients visited our emergency unit with the chief complaints of hematemesis (n = 153) and melena (n = 228). Of these patients, 298 (78.2%) received UGI endoscopy at the emergency unit, 29 (7.6%) received examination after they were admitted to wards, 3 (0.8%) received endoscopy at outpatient clinic and 51 (13.4%) did not have endoscopy. The percentages of endoscopic diagnoses in 330 patients who had UGI endoscopy were gastric ulcer (GU) 33.6%, duodenal ulcer (DU) 32.7%, esophageal varices (EV) 17.0%, and others 15.5%. Negative findings were noted in 3 cases and no definite bleeding source was found in 1 patient who had blood retention in stomach. The diagnostic rate of endoscopy was 98.8%. Of the 56 patients with EV, 45 (80.4%) had hematemesis; in contrast, 85 of the 108 DU patients (78.8%) complained of melena only. Of the 219 patients with bleeding GU/DU, 64 (29.2%) had endoscopic therapies and 7 (3.2%) needed operation. Sixty-four (29.2%) of them received UGI endoscopy within 6 hours after arrival. They had significantly higher frequency of stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH) and more endoscopic therapies than the remaining patients. The overall mortality rate in our patients was 6.0%; the mortality rate in patients with EV was much higher than that of the patients with GU/DU (19.6% vs. 1.8%, P less than 0.001). Of the 23 expired cases, only 11 died of hypovolemic shock. The remaining 12 patients died of deterioration or complications of their underlying diseases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bilateral putaminal necrosis caused by methanol poisoning: a case report.

Abstract: Bilateral putaminal necrosis is characteristic of methanol poisoning. A 31-year-old male alcoholic had headache, impaired consciousness, neck stiffness, roving eyes with dilated unreactive pupils, papilloedema, abdominal pain, vomiting, and severe metabolic acidosis after a binge. Abnormalities of the cerebrospinal fluid included an initial pressure of 240 mmH2 O, RBC 286/mm3, WBC 8/mm3, and protein 179 mg/dl. Peritoneal dialysis was performed on the 2nd day after drinking. A blood test for methanol was not performed until the 5th day, and its results was negative. However, computed tomography (CT) on the 3rd day showed necrosis and hemorrhage of bilateral putamina and the cerebral cortex, and post-contrast enhancement of meninges. On the 22nd day, a CT revealed further changes: necrosis of bilateral subcortical white matter, and post-contrast gyral enhancement at the otherwise normal-looking areas of the cerebral cortex. We suggest that, in certain situations, the characteristic CT findings are helpful in the diagnosis of methanol poisoning.

Radionuclide renal function study in various surgical treatments of upper urinary stones.

Abstract: We conducted a radionuclide renal function study using 131I-hippuran in 188 patients with upper urinary stones before and every 3 months to the maximum of 12 months after various surgical treatments. Of 28 patients with renal staghorn stone, 24 underwent anatrophic nephrolithotomy and 4 percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Of 36 patients with renal pelvic stone, 15 received open pyelolithotomy, 16 received PCNL and 5 received extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Of 71 patients with renal calyceal stone, 48 underwent PCNL and 23 ESWL. Of 53 patients with ureteral stone, 41 received ureterolithotomy, 8 PCNL and 4 ureteroscopic extraction. The renal function study determined individual and total renal function in terms of effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) at unilateral and bilateral kidneys. The mean total ERPF decreased 3-6 months after anatrophic nephrolithotomy (377.4 +/- 121.8 vs. 308.8 +/- 105.4 ml/min) or PCNL (447.4 +/- 152.3 vs. 386.8 +/- 140.8 ml/min) for staghorn stone. The mean ERPF of the kidney on the operative side decreased significantly to an extent of 29.4% up to 6 months after anatrophic nephrolithotomy. The mean ERPF on operative side increased significantly to an extent of 18.3% up to 6 months after ureterolithotomy. In conclusion, among the upper urinary stones, the unilateral (operative side) and total bilateral renal function decreased 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively, after anatrophic nephrolithotomy. On the contrary, the renal function increased significantly on the operative side up to 6 months after open ureterolithotomy. There was no significant change of mean ERPF at the kidney on operative or non-operative side in other kinds of upper urinary stones and surgical treatment.

Correlation between sonographic and angiographic findings of extracranial carotid artery disease.

Abstract: Comparison between sonographic and angiographic findings of the extracranial carotid arteries were made in 68 patients. We used a Diasonic Duplex Ultrasonograph (DRF 400) which combined a real-time B-mode imaging system and a pulsed-wave Doppler spectral analyser. Continuous-wave Doppler was also used to determine ophthalmic artery flow direction. The findings were classified into four categories: (1) normal or less than 10% stenosis, (2) 10-49% stenosis, (3) 50-99% stenosis, (4) and total occlusion. The agreement between the two tests was 0.53 which meant fair agreement beyond chance by Kappa statistics. When angiograms were used as gold standard, the sensitivity of duplex sonography was above 80% in all categories of stenosis, and the overall accuracy and specificity were above 90% in those stenosis greater than 50% and occlusion. We conclude that duplex sonography, a reproducible noninvasive test, is a safe and cost-efficient screening method which can provide a good correlation with angiograms in detecting extracranial carotid artery disease.

[The factors of diagnosis and treatment delay in the late stage of cancers in pharynx, larynx and oral cavity].

Abstract: Cancers of pharynx, larynx and oral cavity (CPLOC) are the tumors can be easily found by patients themselves Unfortunately, the diagnosis and treatment delay in CPLOC is very severe in our country The study was based on the data collected through questionnaire from 100 patients with CPLOC in late stages The causes of diagnosis and treatment delay in those patients were evaluated The study reveals that traffic and financial difficulties are not the principal factors causing the delay Instead, limited knowledge which the patients learned from television and newspapers, and sometimes bias cancer knowledge play major role in the delay When the symptoms developed, 64% of the patients either did not pay attention to their symptoms, or took some improper medical treatments according to their own diagnosis It took them 207 days on average from having the symptoms to consulting a doctor, about 108 days on average from consulting a doctor to getting a right suggestion The latter delay was often caused by ambiguous and improper suggestion from doctors However, if a patient receives a proper suggestion from a doctor, the major reason for diagnosis delay was that patients felt their symptoms were not severe or the examinations required too much time Even if patients were confirmed to have cancer, treatment delay is still not avoidable as they often turned to Chinese herb doctors, took herb drugs, or feared of receiving an operation Therefore, the best way of reducing treatment delay in CPLOC is to enhance medical knowledge and education, and to correct the image that traditional Chinese herbs are effective in curing CPLOC

Primary malignant melanoma of the vagina and cervix uteri: case report and literature review.

Abstract: Malignant melanoma of vagina is rare. Malignant melanoma of the cervix is even rare. To date, only 96 cases of the former and 26 cases of the latter have been reported. We report here a very rare case of primary malignant melanoma involving both vagina and cervix in a 70-year-old woman. The clinical, cytologic, light microscopic and ultrastructural findings are presented, and the pertinent literature is reviewed and discussed.

Hydrochlorothiazide-induced pulmonary edema: a case report and literature review.

Abstract: A 67-year-old man developed non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema after taking a hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) tablet. The symptoms remitted following supportive treatment but recurred after rechallenge. Immunologic studies showed increased immunoglobulin E, negative lymphocyte transformation test when exposed to HCTZ, normal blood lymphocyte subpopulations and complement levels, and negative antinuclear antibodies. We reviewed 22 previous reported cases and emphasized that physicians should be aware of this rare but life-threatening reaction.

Myositis ossificans progressiva mimicking ankylosing spondylitis: a case report.

Abstract: Myositis ossificans progressiva is a rare disorder of young adults characterized by ossification of the connective tissue of the voluntary muscles and ligaments. Although it is trauma-related, up to 40-60% of these patients have no history of previous injury. A young female with marked kyphosis and ankylosis of the spine presented with a recent onset of a rapidly growing painful mass over the anterior aspect of her left shoulder. She received an excisional biopsy but recurrent ossification developed soon after. It then spread to the biceps muscle with subsequent contracture deformities of the shoulder and elbow joints. A plain radiogram of her spine revealed similar characteristics of ankylosing spondylitis. However, the final diagnosis was made by the pathognomonic ectopic ossification of muscles and para-articular soft tissue. Despite poor response of the established constracture, the painful mass did respond well to prednisolone treatment within 2 months, in terms of size and consistency.

Evaluation of carcinoembryonic antigen, tissue polypeptide antigen, and squamous cell carcinoma antigen in the detection of cervical cancers.

Abstract: Cervical cancer is a predomiannt gynecologic neoplasia in Taiwan. The associations of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) for detection of cervical cancers with type of cancer, clinical stage and lymph node metastasis were studied. Serum samples were collected from 395 patients with cervical cancers (61 CIN3, 334 squamous cell carcinoma, 18 adenocarcinoma), 72 patients with benign gynecologic diseases and 115 healthy controls. The sensitivities of CEA, TPA, and SCC-Ag were 15.2%, 33.6%, and 49.3%. The specificities were 89.3%, 96.2%, and 95.1%, respectively. The positive rate of CEA was found significantly higher among patients with adenocarcinoma than those with squamous cell carcinoma. The positive rate of CEA and SCC-Ag increased with advance of the clinical stages. There was no significant difference in the rate of each tumor marker between patients with lymph node metastasis and those without metastasis. The positive rate obtained by SCC-Ag alone was comparable to those by the combinations of two or three antigens. The result of the present study indicates that SCC-Ag is the most useful tumor marker in the detection of cervical cancers.

Meniscal repair with autogenous periosteum and fibrin adhesive system

Abstract: It is well recognized that meniscal tear in the avascular portion is difficult to heal. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of periosteum and fibrin adhesive system (FAS) in promoting the meniscal repair in the avascular zone. Full-thickness defects of 1 x 3 mm were created in the avascular portion of lateral menisci in adult mongrels. The control menisci were left without any treatment. The experimental defects were either repaired with autogenous periosteum or the combination of periosteum and FAS. Histologic and ultrastructural evaluation of the reparative tissue were compared at 4, 8, and 16 weeks postoperatively. The reparative tissue in the control group remained fibrous even at week 16, whereas that in the grafted and graft/FAS groups resembled normal adjacent fibrocartilage. Moreover, the regenerated chondrocytes in the graft/FAS group appeared more mature than those in the grafted group. Our results suggest that periosteum is a potential source of primitive cells from which chondrocytes could be differentiated and developed during the reparative process of meniscal fibrocartilage. As to FAS, it not only acted as a hemostatic agent and a fixant, but also could indirectly accelerate the chondrogenesis of periosteum in the meniscal defects. It is sufficient to conclude that the combination of periosteum and FAS in promoting meniscal defects or severe tears in the avascular portion bears its potential in future clinical application.

Enterogenous cyst of the fourth ventricle: case report.

Abstract: The authors present an intracranial enterogenous cyst of the fourth ventricle in a Chinese woman having symptoms of headache, dizziness and vertigo for approximately six months. A computerized tomography study of the brain disclosed a low density lesion within the fourth ventricle. A cystic tumor was completely removed and a histopathological examination diagnosed it is an enterogenous cyst; a rare lesion. During the post-operative follow-up, her symptoms gradually resolved and she was free of complaints within two years.

Solitary metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the ovaries: a case report.

Abstract: Though renal cell carcinoma may metastasize to unusual sites via hematogenous spread, ovarian metastasis is very uncommon. This is explained by atrophy of the ovaries with decreased blood perfusion in most postmenopausal patients who are at the age of peak incidence of renal cell carcinoma. We report a 28-year-old woman with metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the ovaries. Special attention to the differential diagnosis and the management should be taken.

[Chondronecrosis induced in rhesus monkeys fed with grains and water of Kaschin-Beck's disease endemic area].

Abstract: Immature Rhesus monkeys were fed with grains and/or water of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) endemic area for 6 or 18 months. Multifocal and zonal chondronecrosis and a series of secondary reactions following necrosis were found in articular cartilage and growth plate in most of the monkeys. These changes are very similar to the characteristics of human KBD. The results suggest that growing Rhesus monkey should be the susceptible animal for reproduction of chondronecrosis model of KBD and the articular cartilage of greater trochanter proximal to femur is a portion predisposing to cartilage lesions. The experiment also indicated that pathogenic factor resulting in chondronecrosis is still remaining in water and grains of endemic area, though the area is no longer actively endemic for KBD.