אשר ברק(1), אורי אפרתי(1), מרדכי ר' קרמר(2)

היחידה למחלות ריאות ילדים, בי"ח שיבא תל-השומר(1), המכון למחלות ריאה: מרכז רפואי ע"ש רבין, פתח תקווה(2)

בשנים האחרונות, התפתח הסיווג של מחלות דרכי הנשימה הקטנים: הסימפונונים (bronchioles). מגוון המחלות והגורמים הרבים והמשותפים לחלקם, גורמים לא פעם לבלבול. מחלות הסימפונונים מסוג ברונכיוליטיס חסימתי (bronchiolitis obliterans – ב"ח) וברונכיוליטיס חסימתי עם דלקת בהתארגנות (bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia – בחד"ה). מהווה סיבות חשובות למחלות ריאה מפושטות והסננתיות. ההכרה בהבדלים שבין שתי תיסמונות אלו מאפשרת קביעת פרוגנוזה וטיפול מתאים לחולה. בסקירה ספרותית זו מדווח על המיבנה האנטומי של הסימפונונים, הסיווג הפתולוגי והקליני של מחלות הסימפונונים. מושם דגש על המשותף והשונה שבמחלות ב"ח ובחד"ה: מהלך קליני, בדיקות רנטגן, טיפול ופרוגנוזה של כל אחת ממחלות אלו.

אורי שולמן, רם סילפן, אברהם אמיר, דניאל האובן

המח' לכירורגיה פלסטית והיח' לכוויות, קמפוס בילינסון, מרכז רפואי רבין, פתח-תקווה

מלאנומה ממארת של העור (ממ"ע) היא שאת ששיעור היארעותה עולה בקצב מהיר בעולם כולו והיא מהווה אתגר טיפולי נרחב. כיום, הניתוח הוא הטיפול העיקרי בממ"ע, ואם השאת מאובחנת ומטופלת בשלב מוקדם, לפני חדירה עמוקה לשיכב הדרמיס, היפגעות קישיות לימפה והתהוות גרורות מרוחקות, הרי שסיכויי ההישרדות גבוהים.

ממ"ע באזור ראש-צוואר המתהווה בשכיחות של כ-20% מתוך כלל החולים במלאנומה ממארת, שונה במספר מובנים מאשר באזורים אחרים בגוף: כריתה נרחבת של השאת מוגבלת בגודלה עקב המיקום האנטומי באזור ראש-צוואר, הניקוז הלימפטי עשיר ביותר, ההשלכות האסתטיות עלולות להיות מרחיקות לכת וההשפעות התיפקודיות יכולות להיות בלתי הפיכות.

ממ"ע באזור ראש-צוואר מתרחשת בשכיחות שווה בנשים ובגברים. השאת ממוקדת בעיקר בפנים, ובשכיחות יורדת באזור הצוואר, הקרקפת והאוזניים.

קיימים מספר גורמי סיכון להתהוות מלאנומה ממארת בכל אזורי הגוף, ביניהם אנשים עם שומות מלאנוציטיות מרובות, שומה מלידה גדולה בקוטר מעל 20 ס"מ (giant congenital nevi), שומה דיספלסטית (dysplastic nevi) בעלי עור, עיניים ושיער בהירים עם נטייה להיכוות לאחר חשיפה קצרה לקרני השמש, בעלי עור עם נמשים, אנשים שנחשפו רבות לקרני השמש במהלך חייהם, אנשים בעשור החמישי לחייהם ואילך, אנמנזה משפחתית של מלאנומה ממארת המגבירה את הסיכון ללקות במחלה בשיעור של פי 2-8, אנמנזה של סרטני עור בעבר ואנשים עם דיכוי המערכת החיסונית. הסיכון במהלך החיים להתהוות מלאנומה ממארת בפעם השנה הוא 1%-8%.

Newer Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods in Lung Cancer

R. Rubinstein, R. Breuer, R. Chisin

Dept. of Medical Biophysics and Nuclear Medicine, and Institute of Pulmonology, Hadassah University Hospital, Ein Karem, Jerusalem

Positron emission tomography (PET), when used with F-18 fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG), contributes to the evaluation of patients with lung cancer. This technique of imaging detects active tumor tissue by showing increased radiopharmaceutical uptake by metabolically active cells.

Thus, PET assists in the early diagnosis of pulmonary malignancies that appear only as non-specific findings on CT-scan or chest X-ray. In addition, it is helpful in staging lung cancer before and after resection, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or their combined use.

We performed 135 FDG-PET studies between July '97-April '99. and present our preliminary results with examples of the main indications for PET in lung cancer.
 

אליהו לויטס

היחידה לפוריות והפריה חוץ-גופית, החטיבה למיילדות וגינקולוגיה, ביה"ח האוניברסיטאי סורוקה, הפקולטה למדעי הבריאות, אוניברסיטת בן-גוריון בנגב, באר-שבע

יותר ויותר מתבהר הצורך לאבחן ולטפל בחוסר הביוץ. אי-הפוריות היא רק תוצאה אחת, קביעת האבחנה וטיפול בתאם יכולים למנוע תופעות שליליות נוספות לבריאות האשה. תוצאות של חוסר ביוץ כוללות ירידה בצפיפות העצם, ירידה בחימוד (ליבידו), תופעות בלתי רצויות בעור ובשיער, שיגשוג בלתי מבוקר של רירית הרחם (endometrium), מצב קרדיוואסקולרי מעורער ושינויים פסיכולוגיים ופסיכיאטריים. התוצאות הסוציאליות והפסיכוסוציאליות של חוסר הביוץ לא תמיד בתודעתנו, למרות חשיבותן הרבה. על כן, כדי לייעץ נכון למטופלת, דרושה אבחנה מדויקת, ככל האפשר.

המושג הבסיסי להבנת הפתוגנזה של הפרעות ביוץ קשור בהבנת העובדה, שהפרשה פעימתית מתאימה של GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) מההיפותאלאמוס במוח קובעת את מועד הביוץ והווסת. פעימות של GnRH מהירות או איטיות מדי יגרמו לחוסר ביוץ או להרס הגופיף הצהוב השחלתי טרם זמנו...
 

Screening for Early Detection of Prostatic Cancer

A. Neheman, Y. Shotland, Y. Metz, A. Stein

Dept. of Urology, Carmel Hospital, Lady Davis Medical Center, Haifa

Prostatic cancer (PC) is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer mortality in men word-wide. In Israel it is the most common cause of cancer mortality in men, after lung cancer and colo-rectal cancer.

We screened, for the first time in Israel, for prostatic cancer using serum levels of PSA and a digital rectal examination (DRE). The purpose was not only to diagnose PC but also to increase public awareness of the condition.

300 men in the Haifa area who met statistical criteria for early diagnosis of PC participated. They filled a questionnaire regarding risk factors for PC (age, family history (FH) of prostatic and breast cancer, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, previous PSA sampling) and were examined. Those who had out-of-ragne, age-related PSA values, or a pathologic DRE underwent trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) examination and guided biopsy of the prostate. Those with a positive biopsy for PC underwent radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy.

41 (14.3%) had out-of-range, age-related PSA levels and 10 (3.5%) had a pathologic DRE. 39 (13.3%) underwent TRUS and biopsy and 6 (2.04%) had clinically significant PC, all early stages (Gleason 4-6).

Correlation between age and PSA has been proven statistically significant (p<0.05). Symptoms of urinary tract obstruction and nocturia were related to a high PSA (p=0.035 and 0.002, respectively). Those with PC had at least 1 symptom of urinary tract obstruction; 6 (15.3%) who underwent TRUS and biopsy and a FH of prostate cancer. However, no subject with a FH of PC had biopsy-proven cancer. Those with PC had PSA values from 4.9 to 31.8 ng/ml (9.6 median). Age-related PSA had a positive predictive value of 17.1%.

Results of our annual screening for early detection of PC using age-related PSA, and DRE are encouraging: cases detected were clinically significant and treatable. It would appear that screening for PC will result in decreasing the incidence of metastatic cancer and therefore mortality. 
 

Surgery for Blepharoptosis in Muscular Dystrophy

Ori Mahler, Asher Milstein, Ayala Pollack, Daniel Hauben

Eye Dept., Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot; and Plastic Surgery Dept., Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva

In some muscular dystrophies there is ocular involvement characterized by blepharoptosis and ophthalmoplegia. These conditions occur in chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, mitochondrial myopathy, myotonic dystrophy, and ocular myasthenia, among others. Although they differ in their systemic clinical manifestations and in genetic inheritance, ocular involvement is common to all of them. Manifestations include bilateral progressive blepharoptosis with or without extraocular muscle malfunction.

During surgical repair of the ptotic eyelid, consideration must be given to eyeball movements, in addition to maximal eyelid elevation, and to avoiding overcorrection and consequent corneal overexposure, leading to dryness and visual impairment. With these muscular dystrophic disorders, resection of the levator muscle or blepharoplasty alone does not suffice. Follow-up shows that most patients need a secondary repair after a short while. Operative correction uses a frontalis sling for eyelid elevation and support.

A series of 8 patients with these diseases, operated on by various surgical techniques during the past 7 years, is presented.

Atrophic Gastritis Presenting with Pulmonary Embolism

Muhammad A. Abdul-Ghani, Rima Feldman, Moshe Shai, Jacob Varkel

Dept. of Medicine C, Western Galilee Hospital, Naharia

Atrophic gastritis is an autoimmune gastropathy in which there is destruction of gastric parietal cells. This results in intrinsic factor deficiency and disturbance in vitamin B12 absorption. Its clinical manifestationa are therefore the consequences of B12 deficiency and include anemia and neurological defect. In addition, lack of B12 results in metabolic changes, including disturbances of methionine metabolism and accumulation of homocysteine.

In recent years, there has been increasing evidence suggesting that hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for thrombo-embolic disease. We describe a 51-year-old man with atrophic gastritis, severe B12 deficiency and hyperhomocystein-emia. The initial clinical manifestation was pulmonary embolism, without either anemia or neurological signs. B12 deficiency should therefore be considered in patients being investigated for hypercoagulability.

Advantages of Standardized Protocol for Oral Rehydration in Acute Pediatric Gastroenteritis

Avi Weizman, Ahmed Alsheikh, Laura Herzog, Asher Tal, Rafael Gorodischer

Pediatric Depts. A and B, Soroka Medical Center; and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

Oral rehydration (OR) for acute gastroenteritis in infants and children has been shown to be as effective as IV therapy, with less discomfort and lower costs. In this retrospective study we compared 2 pediatric wards, in 1 of which only a standardized, simplified, bedside protocol, based on American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, was used.

There were no significant clinical characteristics in the 208 patients. In the ward which used the above protocol, OR utilization was significantly more frequent than in the other ward (48% versus 15%), thus saving equipment costs of nearly $1,000/3 months. There were no significant differences in outcome between the wards.

We conclude that introducing a standardized management protocol may increase OR utilization in hospitalized children with acute diarrhea.
 

Cells-Preliminary Report Immunohistochemical Identification of Testicular Germ

Batia Bar-Shira Maymon, Gedalia Paz, Leah Yogev, Ron Hauser, Letizia Schreiber, Amnon Botchan, Haim Yavetz

Institute for Fertility Study, Lis Maternity Hospital; Pathology Institute, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center; and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

The use of testicular spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection introduced a new treatment modality for management of male infertility.

Since testicular biopsies of non-obstructive azoospermic men are not homogenous in their histological patterns, identification with certainty of focal spermatogenesis might be difficult, particularly in those with small foci of spermatogenesis. We used an immunohistochemical marker of the male germ line, an antibody generated against RBM (RNA-binding-motif), to recognize with high precision the presence of germ cells in the biopsy. Biopsies of 30 men with azoospermia, most with non-obstructive azoospermia and a few with obstruction of the vas deferens, were evaluated.

Immunohistochemical staining for RBM protein contributed to the detection and accuracy of the identification of germ cells. Furthermore, this immunohistochemical technique aided the histopathologist to focus on even small foci of spermatogenesis. Absence of the protein expression confirmed the diagnosis of Sertoli-cell-only syndrome. The results indicate that expression of RBM can be a diagnostic marker for identifying the germ cells of small concentrations of spermatogenesis. This method can enhance the accuracy of histopathological evaluation of testicular biopsies that had formerly relied mainly on hematoxylin-and-eosin staining.

High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Trans-Plantation for Refractory and Relapsing Hodgkin's Disease

A. Avigdor, I. Hardan, O. Shpilberg, P. Raanani, I. Grotto, I. Ben-Bassat

Hematology Institute and Hemato-oncology Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

High dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation are widely used in relapsed and primary refractory Hodgkin's disease. We transplanted 42 patients with Hodgkin's disease between 1990-1998. Median follow-up was 31 months (range 1-102). 29 (69%) were transplanted after relapse and 13 (31%) were refractory to first line therapy. Median age at transplantation was 29 years (range 19-58) and 23 (55%) were males.

All were treated with the BEAM protocol (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine and melphelan). 18 who were in remission received radiotherapy following transplantation. The source of the stem cells was bone marrow in 17% and peripheral blood in 83%. At initial diagnosis: 57% had stage III-IV disease and B symptoms were present in 52%. 75% were treated with MOPP, ABVD or with related versions. Radiotherapy followed in 52%. Prior to transplantation, 45% of the relapsed group were in the advanced stage. 33% and 12% of all patients had lung and bone involvement, respectively.

The complete remission rate was 86% for the 2 groups. 2 (5%) died from transplant-related complications and MDS/AML developed in 2 (5%) after transplantation. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 68% and 60%, respectively. The 3-year OS for the relapsed group was 64% compared with 76% for the refractory group, and the 3-year DFS for the relapsed group was 60% vs. 42% for the refractory group (neither difference significant). Radiotherapy following transplantation did not have a beneficial effect on DFS. No prognostic factors for outcome of transplantation were found, most probably due to the limited number of patients and the high variability of disease characteristics.

We conclude that high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation are effective and relatively safe for relapsed or primary refractory Hodgkin's disease. The DFS at 3 years was longer for those transplanted after relapse than those with primary refractory disease, but not significantly. Patients with primary refractory disease can be salvaged with high dose chemotherapy.

Testicular Cancer: Self-Awareness and Testicular Self-Examination in Soldiers and Military Physicians

Thomas Tichler, Rony Weitzen, Aharon Feinstone, Raoul Orvieto, Marian Moskovitz, Adam Singer

Depts. of Oncology and Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer; Medical Corps, Israel Defence Forces; Gynecology Dept., Hasharon Medical Center, Petah Tikvah; and Medical Dept. B, Fleaman Hospital, Haifa

Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in young men. To evaluate knowledge and awareness of that cancer, and of the practice of testicular self-examination (TSE), we developed a questionnaire which was distributed to 717 male soldiers and 200 of their military physicians.

21% of the soldiers had received some explanation of the importance of TSE, but only 16% were actually instructed how to perform TSE, and only 2% practiced it regularly. 24% had never examined their testicles before, 185 only rarely, and 6% often. With increased age, TSE frequency increased, but previous education, type of military unit, and ethnic origin had no affect. 99% of military physicians had been taught how to examine breasts, but only 70% had been taught routine testicular examination. 22% performed it, but 27% never did. 84% had never taught their soldiers the importance of TSE, although 51% taught female soldiers breast self-examination.

There was a significant lack of awareness of the importance of regular practice of TSE among both soldiers and their army physicians.

Multiresistant Escherichia Coli from Elderly Patients

Ilana Slucky-Shraga, Moshe Wolk, Sofia Volis, Israel Vulikh, David Sompolinsky

Dept. of Medicine and Microbiology Laboratory, Mayanei Hayeshua Hospital, Bnei Brak; Central Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem; and Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan

We examined all ceftriaxone-resistant Escherichia coli isolates obtained from clinical samples during 16 months (1‚Dec. '97 - 31 Mar. '99). A total of 97 resistant isolates from 36 patients were obtained, mostly from urine specimens. Of these patients, 35/36 were over 75 years old, most lived in nursing homes, were dependent on nursing in their daily lives, and were incontinent and/or had indwelling catheters.

All 97 isolates had similar susceptibility profiles: resistant to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, ampicillin, amoxycillin/clavulanate, tricarcillin/clavulanate, aztreonam, and cefuroxime; decreased susceptibility to ceftazidime and cefepime; and susceptible to imipenem and meropenem. Double-disc tests indicated that all strains produced extended spectrum beta-lactamase(s). All the isolates belonged to 1 of 3 E. coli serotypes: 79 were 0153:H31, 13 were 0142:H10, and 5 were 0102:H6.

Noncontrast Spiral CT for Diagnosis of Acute Flank Pain

Alexander Tzivian, Igor Sherman, Yacov Yacobi,  Surin Elias, Ami Sidi, Jack Asherov

Depts. of Urology, Emergency Medicine, and of Radiology, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon

Acute flank pain is commonly encountered in the emergency department, and often requires imaging to establish its cause. For decades intravenous urography and sonography have been the primary media for evaluating flank pain.

Recently, noncontrast spiral CT (NCSCT) has been shown to be accurate and highly successful in diagnosing cause in such cases. We evaluated its use in the diagnosis of acute flank pain. During a 7-month period, 147 such cases had NCSCT imaging immediately after initial evaluation in the emergency department. Using a spiral CT scan without oral or IV contrast media, 109 of 147 cases were found to have ureteral stones, and 34 others to have other urological conditions unrelated to the cause of pain; 38 CT scans were negative for ureterolithiasis and in 14 non-urological disease was diagnosed.

NCSCT is a valuable diagnostic technique for patients in the emergency department with flank pain. It rapidly and accurately detects ureteral stones causing renal colic and also detects extra-urinary causes of acute flank pain.

Mortality in Fractures of the Hip 

Y. Titiun, Z. Eshkol, Z. Horesh, M. Soudry

Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Beilinson Campus, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva

Prevalence of hip fractures is increasing world-wide, as the mean age of populations increases. Despite advances in anesthesia, nursing care, and surgical techniques, hip fractures remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly.

We operated on 65 cases of hip fractures from 1995 to the end of 1997: average age was 82.9, 72% were women, average waiting time for operation was 1.6 days, perioperative mortality was 3.5% and postoperative mortality 26.2%.

Laparoscopic Ultrasound in Predicting Resectability of Choriocarcinoma

M. Shimonov, P. Schachter, G. Gvirtz, Y. Avni, A. Rosen, A. Czerniak

Depts. of Surgery, Ultrasound, and of Gastroenterology, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Cholangiocarcinoma accounts for about 1% of all malignant tumors. They are difficult to diagnose because of their small size and their location. Although surgical resection is the best therapeutic approach, most patients undergo unnecessary exploratory laparotomy due to incorrect preoperative diagnosis.

We present our experience with laparoscopic ultrasound (LU) in the evaluation of cholangiocarcinoma and determination of tumor spread and vascular involvement. Of 25 patients referred for surgery, 6 were excluded following LU and were referred instead for palliative treatment. Diagnosis of the tumor was successful in 92%, and vascular involvement was diagnosed in 46%. LU should be an integral diagnostic test in the evaluation of choriocarcinoma.