תוצאת חיפוש

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer: A Validation Study and Preliminary Results

Aviram Nissan, Ram M. Spira, Roland Chisin, Oded Zamir, Diana Prus, Martin Klein, Mahmoud Badriyyah, Herbert R. Freund

Departments of Surgery. Biophysics and Nuclear Medicine, and Pathology. Hadassah University Hospital Mount Scopus and Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem

Introduction: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been recently proven to be an accurate staging method for breast cancer, replacing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in selected cases. We present our initial experience and the process of introduction and implementation of SLNB in a University Hospital setting.

Material and methods: 46 SLNB were performed in 42 consecutive female patients with invasive breast cancer. Treatment included 0.4mCi-2mCi of Tc-99m rhenium colloid injected either 2 hours before surgery (0.4 mCi) or the night before surgery (2 mCi). Four milliliters of Patent Blue V were injected peritumoral 10 minutes prior to skin incision in all patients. Following SLNB all women underwent subsequent ALND. Sentinel nodes were processed both with multiple (10-15) H&E sections and immunohistochemistry with cytokeratin antibodies stain.

Results: Blue dye, isotope or the combination of both identified 43/46 (93%) of the sentinel lymph nodes. ALND was performed only unilaterally in 4 patients with bilateral breast cancer bringing the total evaluable SLNB to 39. In the 39 patients in whom the sentinel node was successfully identified and underwent ALND, the SLNB was true positive (TP) in 17/39 (44%) true negative (TN) in 20/39 (51%) and false negative in 2/39 [(5%), both T2 lesions] with overall accuracy of 95%. In the last 10 cases all sentinel nodes were successfully identified with 70% TP and 30% TN.

Conclusions: Experience with at least 30-40 consecutive cases for safe implementation of SLNB in clinical practice. Specific training and dedication is required for the entire team involved, including surgeons, nuclear medicine physicians and technicians and pathologists.  

ניר הוד (1), סיימון שטראוס (2), תפחה הורן (1),

המכון לרפואה גרעינית (1), והיחידה לעל-שמע (2), החטיבה לדימות, המרכז הרפואי "אסף הרופא", צריפין, הפקולטה לרפואה סאקלר, אוניברסיטת תל-אביב

קישריות בבלוטת התריס הניתנות למישוש קיימות ב-4% מהאוכלוסייה הבוגרת באזורים בהם צריכת יוד במזון מספקת; בחולים אלה נדרשת אבחנה מבדלת, על מנת לשלול בראש ובראשונה שאת ממאירה של בלוטת התריס. היארעות שאת ממאירה בבלוטת התריס מוערכת בכ-2 חולים מתוך אוכלוסיה של 100,000 אנשים מדי שנה. שאת ממאירה בבלוטת-התריס שכיחה יותר בנשים ובקרב בני-אדם שנחשפו לקרינה באזור הראש והצוואר; לעיתים רחוקות, מדובר בתיסמונת משפחתית (Men II).

מיכאל מילרד (1), גבריאל דיקשטיין (2), עופר נתיב (1)

(1) המח' לאורולוגיה, (2) היחידה לאנדוקינולוגיה, המרכז הרפואי בני-ציון, הפקולטה לרפואה רפפורט, הטכניון, חיפה

היישום הרב והזמינות של בדיקות דימות בלתי-פולשניות כמו טומוגרפיה מחשבית (ט"מ), תהודה מגנטית (ת"מ) ועל-שמע העלו את תדירות איבחון הנגעים בטוחה (adrenal), נוכחות גוש בטוחה, ללא רקע של ממאירות, מהווה אתגר איבחוני כשלעצמו, בייחוד כשידועה אנאמזה של ממאירות.

מימצא אקראי של שאת בטוחה (incidentaloma) מחייב המשך בירור ומעקב ובמצבים מסוימים, גם כריתה בניתוח. במספר עבודות נמצא, כי ב-3%-0.3% מבדיקות ט"מ של הבטן העליונה מאובחן נגע בטוחה. עבודות אלו נערכו ברובן בשנים הראשונות בהן הוכנסו לשימוש מכשירי הט"מ, עקב השיפור הטכנולוגי שחל עם השנים ניתן לצפות, כי שכיחות שאתות בטוחה כיום קרובה יותר לזאת המדווחת מעבודות שנערכו בנתיחות שלאחר המוות, בהן דווח על שיעור נגעים בטוחה שנע בין 1.45% ל-5.9%, רובם טבים.

Local Necrosis of Finger Following Stab with Needle Used to Pumpterbutaline Sulfate (Bricalin)

M. Yasin, T.H. Vishne, D. Hendel

The Departments of Orthopedics and Surgery A, Rabin Medical Center (Hasharon Hospital) , Petach-Tikva, Israel

Terbutaline sulfate (Bricalin) is a widely used medication for asthma. It works mostly, but not only, on beta-adrenergic receptors.

In this case study we describe a 50-year-old nurse referred to the emergency department after she was stabbed by needle that was used to draw bricalin for inhalation. She arrived at the emergency room with an inflamed necrotic area at the point of the stab. Later, she developed acute infection that was treated with antibiotics. Following the acute phase there was still a necrotic area, that required surgical debridement.

It seems that this is the result of the vasoconstrictive influence of terbutaline sulfate via alpha adrenergic receptors. In the medical literature there is scarce data regarding this side effect.

The Effect of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Therapy on Respiratory Diseases in Children

Y. Levin¹, A. Mandelberg², A. Gornstein³, F. Srour³, S. Reif⁴

¹The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, ²The Unit of Pediatric-Pulmonology, Wolfson Hospital, ³The Unit of Pediatric-Surgery, Wolfson Hospital, ⁴The Unit of Pediatric-Gastroenterology, Dana Children's Hospital

In order to examine the effect of reflux therapy on Hyper Reactive Airway Disease (HRAD) and apnea severity, 107 children, 78 with HRAD and 29 with apnea, underwent pH monitoring in the Pediatric Surgery Unit of Wolfson Hospital and the Dana Children's Hospital during the years 1995-1998. Pathological reflux was defined by means of the Boix-Ochoa and RI (Reflux Index) scores. In patients with positive reflux, anti-reflux treatment was initiated. Prior to and following pH monitoring, the respiratory status of all patients (both with and without reflux) was evaluated by a pediatric pulmonologist employing commonly used scores to determine severity.

Results: Subject age ranged between one day and 15 years (mean: 15.44±29 months, median: 6.37 months). In HRAD, following anti-reflex treatment the reflux positive group showed a significant score improvement, from an average of 2.9±1.1 units to 1.54±1.2 units (p<0.0001); a decrease in the number of patients treated with oral corticosteroids (p<0.01); a close to significant decrease (p=0.069) in the average dose of inhaled corticosteroids; and a decrease in the number of patients using bronchodilators (p=0.042). The reflux-negative group, not treated for reflux, displayed no significant improvement, with only a decrease in the severity scores from 2.44±1.0 to 1.78±1.2 units (p=0.14), and no change on any of the other parameters.

In apnea, all patients improved, from an average score of 2.34±0.77 to 0.03±0.19 units (p<0.0001), with no significant difference between the reflux positive and the reflux negative groups.

In view of these findings, it is postulated that anti-reflux therapy may have an additive effect on HRAD severity, beyond that of spontaneous respiratory improvement. We therefore find it appropriate for every severe HRAD patient (frequent exacerbations or high corticosteroid dose) to undergo pH monitoring in order to treat those with proven reflux. In respect to apnea, we cannot attribute any significance to the existence of reflux or to anti-reflux treatment.

Metallic Stents for Acute Colonic Obstruction

M. Itkin, E. Atar, H. Neuman, D. Kravarosic, Z. Fuko, M. Kaz

Radiology and General Surgery B Depts., Golda Campus; and General Surgery Dept., Beilinson Campus; Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva

The traditional treatment of acute colonic obstruction, usually caused by malignant tumor, is a 2-stage surgical procedure. The first operation is emergent and includes primary tumor resection and end colostomy followed by scheduled colostomy closure. These operations are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Recently, insertion of self-expanding metallic stents for temporary colonic decompression has been was introduced. With this new technique colostomy can be avoided in the acute phase.

In advanced colonic cancer stent-insertion is the only palliative treatment. It is done in the radiology department under fluoroscopic guidance. We present 2 cases of malignant colonic obstruction treated successfully by stent insertion.

A Molecular Method of Diagnosis of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Shoshana Israel, Chaim Brautbar

Tissue Typing Unit, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is caused mainly by deficiency of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme. The disease may appear in the classical salt-losing, simple virilizing forms or as a mild, nonclassical form. 21-hydroxylase is encoded by the CYP21B gene on the short arm of chromosome 6, in the midst of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, between HLA Class I and Class II regions.

We describe a method for identifying mutations in the CYP21B gene. It is based on amplification of the gene using the polymerase chain reaction and identification of mutations with sequence-specific oligo-probes. The mutations identified were: V281 and P30L responsible for nonclassical CAH, and I2 splice, Q318X, I172N, cluster E6, and a deletion including 8bP in the third exon (8bP del) responsible for the classical form of CAH.

We also analyzed 2 families affected with the classical form of CAH which demonstrate possible complications in genotyping. Typing for HLA haplotypes can be helpful in certain cases, as demonstrated in 1 of the families presented. In this case it was necessary to distinguish between 2 possible genotypes: 1 with the mutations in tandem on 1 chromosome and the other with the mutated genes on both chromosomes. HLA haplotyping enabled the assignment of the mutations to the relevant chromosomes and thus allowed correct genetic counseling.

The other family demonstrated the importance of CYP21B genotyping in individuals with the nonclassical form of CAH. This form may consist of 1 mild and 1 severe mutation, representing a serious potential for transmitting the classical form of CAH.

Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma in Myasthenia Gravis - Auto-Immunity and Late Development of Malignancy

Yitzhak Rosen, Yair Levy, Yehuda Shoenfeld

Dept. of Internal Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

We report a 75-year-old man with myasthenia gravis for many years, who was hospitalized because of cough, fever, and dyspnea. Chest x-ray revealed a bilateral pleural effusion. Adenocarcinomatous cells were found in the pleural fluid. Computerized tomography of the chest showed widespread pulmonary dissemination of the tumor.

The relationship between myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease involving the motor end-plate, and malignancy (thymoma) has been widely recognized. Current literature documents few reports of lung malignancies with concurrent development of myasthenia gravis. A tentative explanation, based on current research, is provided for the possible role of myasthenia gravis and the late development of lung cancer. Moreover, a model for the autoimmune phenomenon and the development of late malignancies will be provided with explicit explanations. It is important to search for occult, developing malignancies in newly diagnosed autoimmune diseases.

Psychological Treatment for Paruresis (Bashful Bladder)

Baruch Elitzur

Psychiatric Clinic, Ichilov Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center

Paruresis, or bashful bladder, is a functional disorder that involves inability to urinate in the presence of others. The symptom meets the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for simple phobia or social phobia. Although the prevalence of paruresis is relatively high (7% in 1 study and 32% in another), there are few reports of its treatment. The treatment of choice presented in the literature is cognitive-behavioral.

We describe a multidimensional model used in treating 3 men who suffered from paruresis. Promotion of relaxation, mental imagery, paradox, gestalt, metaphor, cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic techniques were used. After 5 treatment meetings, 2 younger men, 18- and 24-years old, respectively, were able to overcome the condition, while a 50-year-old got only partial relief.

Prader-Willi Syndrome: Medical, Emotional and Cognitive Facets

Varda Gross-Tsur, Yael E. Landau

Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem

Prader-Willi syndrome, first described in 1956, is characterized by marked hypotonia, hyperphagia, severe obesity, short stature, hypogonadism, orthopedic problems, breathing- related sleep disorders, mild to moderate mental retardation and behavioral abnormalities. The incidence of this syndrome, an expression of a genetic imprinting error in chromosome 15, is 1:10,000-1:25,000.

We describe the medical, emotional and cognitive parameters of 34 patients in our multidisciplinary clinic for Prader-Willi syndrome. Their ages range from 5 months to 40 years and 20 are males. Excessive weight gain started at the age of 6 years, increasing to 170-370% of that predicted by height and age and short stature started after the age of 12. All males have hypogonadism; 6 patients have scoliosis. Breathing-related sleep disorders have occurred in 15.

Children above the age of 8 years underwent neuropsychological assessment: half (9/18) have borderline intelligence while a quarter have low-normal intelligence and the remainder mild to moderate mental retardation. Behavioral and social problems are common, and become more prominent during adolescence. ADHD was diagnosed in 10/18.

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy 

G. Zamir, D. Hazzan, D.J. Gross, S. Lyass, O. Jurim, E. Shiloni, P. Reissman

Depts. of Surgery, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hadassah University Hospital, Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem

Constant advances and increasing experience in laparoscopic surgery renders it applicable for adrenal surgery. The wide exposure required for open adrenal surgery makes this minimally invasive procedure an attractive and advantageous alternative.

Between 1996-1999, we performed 35 laparoscopic adrenal-ectomies in 30 patients 20-72-years old. Indications included: Conn's syndrome - 14, pheochromocytoma - 11, Cushing's syndrome - 6, nonfunctioning adenoma - 3, and metastatic sarcoma - 1.

5 underwent bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy. In 3 (8.5%) the procedures were converted to open operations. Overall morbidity was 13% and there was no mortality. Mean operative time was 188 minutes, but only 130 in our last 10 cases. Mean hospital stay was 4 days and they returned to normal activity an average of 2 weeks later.

According to our study and previous reports, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is feasible and safe and it may soon become the procedure of choice for adrenal tumors.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis during the Ramadan Fast 

I. Friedrich, Y. Levy

Dept. of Medicine A, HaEmek Medical Center, Afula, and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa

We report a 15-year-old Muslim boy with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during the Muslim Ramadan month of day-time fasting. DKA apparently occurred due to omitting pre-lunch insulin combined with dehydration and overeating during the permitted sunset-to-sunrise meals.

It is well-known that fasting accelerates development of lipolysis and ketosis and increases glucagon levels. Thus, these pathophysiological aberrations related to fasting in ketosis-prone patients, in conjunction with fasting, endanger metabolic control in IDDM.

Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

J. Kuriansky, A. Saenz, D. Rosin, E. Astudillo, L. Fernandez-Cruz

Dept. of General Surgery and Transplantation, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, and Dept. of Surgery, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has recently been shown to be safe and effective for a variety of benign adrenal tumors, such as aldosterone adenoma, pheochromocytoma, nonfunctioning adenoma, Cushing's adenoma and Cushing's syndrome. Recently, laparoscopic surgeons adopted an extraperitoneal approach in which a space is created by the introduction of a trocar with an inflatable balloon tip. This technique with a minimal access procedure provides direct access to the adrenal glands without interfering with intraperitoneal organs.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy using the extraperitoneal approach was completed in 18/20 consecutive patients. Mean operative time was 95 min (range 80-120) and median hospital stay 3 days. Blood transfusion was not required, and there were no postoperative complications.

Alpha-Amino Adipic Aciduria: a Rare Psycho-Motor Syndrome

Ben-Ami Sela, Tamar Massos, Dov Fogel, Joseph Zlotnik

Pathological Chemistry and Child Development Institutes, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

A 3.5-year-old boy with developmental motor retardation, hypotonicity, and severe speech disturbance had alpha-amino adipic acid in his blood and very high levels in his urine. In only 20 cases has this catabolite of lysine and hydroxylysine been found in high concentrations in urine, due to enzymatic block.

The clinical features associated with alpha-amino adipic aciduria may include mental retardation, developmental and motor delay, learning difficulties, convulsions, speech problems and ataxia. 3 siblings had milder symptoms of psychomotor delay and intermediate degrees of alpha amino-adipic aciduria, suggesting that the described developmental deficits could be related to this metabolite or its derivatives.

Tension-Free Vaginal Tape Procedure for Female Stress Incontinence

David Gordon, Asnat Groutz, Joseph Lessing

Lis Maternity Hospital, Sourasky-Tel Aviv Medical Center

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the tension-free vaginal tape procedure (TVT) in 20 consecutive women with urodynamically proven genuine stress incontinence. Mean operating time under spinal analgesia was 37.2‏13 minutes and 80% were discharged within 24 hours. There were 5 uncomplicated, intraoperative bladder perforations, but no defects in healing nor tape rejection. The objective cure rate was 95%, while the subjective rate was 100%. Although follow-up was short (9-16 months), the TVT method seems to be safe and effective for stress urinary incontinence.